Multi-arm Tool for Precise Pelvic Implant Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical insertion tools for delivering implants in the pelvic region are often uncontrollable, cause tissue trauma due to large needles, and may inadvertently damage nerves or organs, leading to complications during implantation.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a receiving arm and a clamping arm that includes a sliding component with a needle, allowing precise control and minimization of tissue trauma by adjusting the distance between the needle and the receiving arm, and featuring a track mechanism for controlled needle movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a sharp needle or point is used at the end of an insertion tool, then the implant can be delivered to the desired location, but tissue trauma and damage to nerves or organs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion tool is divided into multiple arms (first arm, second arm, third arm) with the needle being a separate movable component on the second arm. This segmentation allows the needle to be controlled independently from the main tool body, enabling precise delivery while minimizing uncontrolled tissue damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle is configured to move between extended and retracted positions along the second arm. This dynamic configuration allows the needle to be extended only when needed for precise implant delivery and retracted otherwise, reducing tissue trauma during insertion and extraction phases.
2Manufacturing precision
If a large needle is used in the insertion tool, then the implant can be delivered, but undesirable levels of trauma to tissues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The needle size and insertion depth are dynamically adjustable through the sliding mechanism along the second arm. The needle can be advanced only to the necessary depth for implant delivery rather than full penetration, minimizing tissue trauma while maintaining placement accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If the insertion tool has a fixed curvature, then it can be inserted into the body, but it may deviate from the desired direction during implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The tool configuration is dynamic rather than fixed. The second arm can slide relative to the first arm, and the needle can extend and retract, allowing the tool to adapt its shape and direction during insertion and implant delivery. This dynamic configuration enables the tool to maintain the desired insertion curvature while precisely controlling the final implant delivery direction.
4Manufacturing precision
If the insertion tool is made controllable, then implant delivery accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is segmented into multiple independent arms with the needle as a separate movable component. This segmentation provides control capability without requiring complex mechanical systems, as each arm can be independently positioned and controlled.
Solution Approach 2:
The second arm acts as an intermediary between the first arm and the needle. It provides a sliding mechanism that mediates the transmission of control forces while allowing independent needle movement, simplifying the overall control structure while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
In a general aspect, a medical device includes a receiving arm configured to be coupled to at least a portion of an implant, and a clamping arm having a proximal end coupled to the receiving arm and having a track at a distal end of the clamping arm. The medical device also includes a sliding component including a needle and configured to slidably move along the track of the clamping arm.