Needle Handle Release Mechanism for Sling Implantation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical procedures for retropubic sling implantation in treating incontinence and pelvic disorders face challenges with the need for an improved system to securely and efficiently attach and release needle elements during the procedure, which affects the duration and precision of the surgery.
Innovation Solution
A delivery needle system with a handle assembly that includes a release sleeve and retention clip mechanism, allowing for secure attachment and easy detachment of the needle, utilizing a bulbous tip and retention fingers for securement and axial release, and a button-actuated mechanism for releasing the needle from the handle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional secure attachment mechanism is used for the needle to the handle, then the reliability of needle retention is improved, but the time required for needle attachment and detachment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is segmented into modular components: a retention member with fingers on the handle, a corresponding engagement feature on the needle, and a separate actuator mechanism. This segmentation allows the needle to be quickly attached by aligning and engaging the segmented parts, then rapidly detached by actuating the release mechanism, thus reducing procedural time while maintaining secure retention during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention fingers and engagement features are pre-configured in specific positions and orientations before the procedure. The handle is prepared with the retention mechanism in an engaged state, and the needle is pre-loaded with its corresponding engagement feature. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex alignment and adjustment during the procedure, allowing for rapid attachment and detachment while ensuring reliable retention.
2Ease of operation
If a simple attachment mechanism is used for the needle to the handle, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of needle retention deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediary actuator mechanism is introduced between the user's action and the needle retention. When the user actuates the release mechanism, it intermediates the force transmission to the retention fingers, causing them to disengage from the needle. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the user's operation to a single actuation motion while internally coordinating the complex movements needed to reliably release the needle, thus improving ease of operation without compromising retention reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism incorporates self-aligning and self-latching features. The needle's engagement feature is designed to automatically align with and engage the retention fingers when inserted, without requiring precise manual alignment. The mechanism also includes self-latching elements that automatically secure the needle in place once engaged, reducing the need for complex user operations while ensuring reliable retention through the self-service nature of the engagement process.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a handle assembly and trocar needle attachment mechanism, system and method for sling implantation. The handle assembly is selectively attachable and detachable with the needle to facilitate retropubic, or "inside-out," sling implantation procedures. The handle assembly can include a handle body portion and a release sleeve in certain embodiments. The needle can be curved, and can include a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end includes a tip that can be releasably secured in the handle assembly. In certain embodiments, the tip can include one or more circumferential indents, grooves or angled surfaces and a bulbous end portion.