Multi-Plane Prosthetic Patch for Groin Hernia Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods for repairing groin defects, such as inguinal and femoral hernias, often require penetrating through the groin defect and dissecting through the internal oblique aponeurosis to reach the preperitoneal space, which can be invasive and complex.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows access to the preperitoneal space without penetrating through the groin defect, by dissecting between the external and internal oblique aponeuroses and positioning a prosthetic repair patch in two tissue planes, with a medial portion behind the transversalis fascia and a lateral portion anterior to it, facilitating a less invasive open procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the classic Lichtenstein procedure is used to place the patch anteriorly of the transversalis fascia, then the surgical approach is straightforward, but the repair may not provide adequate reinforcement for certain groin defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-plane patch placement (anterior or posterior to transversalis fascia) to a multi-plane configuration where the patch extends through the transversalis fascia into the preperitoneal space, adding a depth dimension to the repair and providing more comprehensive defect coverage
2Ease of operation
If the preperitoneal space is accessed by penetrating through the groin defect and dissecting through the internal oblique aponeurosis, then access to the preperitoneal space is achieved, but the procedure becomes more invasive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the dissection step through the internal oblique aponeurosis from the surgical approach, finding an alternative path to the preperitoneal space that bypasses this complex dissection while still achieving the necessary access for patch placement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the space between the external and internal oblique aponeuroses as an intermediary pathway to reach the preperitoneal space, avoiding direct penetration through the groin defect and complex dissection of the internal oblique aponeurosis
3Ease of operation
If a prosthetic repair patch is positioned in a single tissue plane between the peritoneum and the transversalis fascia, then the placement is simple, but the repair may not provide sufficient coverage for complex groin defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the patch placement into multiple distinct tissue planes: a first portion placed in the preperitoneal space and a second portion placed anterior to the transversalis fascia, with the patch extending through the fascia to connect these planes, providing comprehensive multi-layer coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a depth dimension to the patch placement by extending it through the transversalis fascia into the preperitoneal space, transforming the repair from a two-dimensional surface placement to a three-dimensional multi-plane configuration that provides more robust defect coverage
Data Source
AI summary
A method of mending a groin defect such as an indirect inguinal hernia, a direct inguinal hernia, and/or a femoral hernia. A space between the external oblique aponeurosis and the internal oblique aponeurosis is dissected superiorly and laterally to create a site for receiving a lateral portion of a prosthetic repair patch. Dissection medially and inferiorly between the two aponeuroses leads to a transversalis fascia, which is explored downwardly and, at the pubic bone, dissected to reach the preperitoneal space of Retzius. A medial portion of a prosthetic repair patch may be positioned in the space of Retzius with a lateral portion of the prosthetic repair patch positioned in the dissected space between the two aponeuroses. So positioned, the prosthetic repair patch protects the myopectineal orifice that is susceptible to each of the indirect inguinal hernia, direct inguinal hernia, and femoral hernia.