Non-Circular Pelvic Implant Needle With Grip Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods for treating pelvic disorders such as incontinence and prolapse are often invasive and require lengthy procedures, lacking a minimally invasive yet effective implant and introduction system.
Innovation Solution
A non-circular cross-section needle device with a grip element provides improved visual and tactile feedback, better gripping control, and reduced finger pressure and slippage, allowing for precise deployment of implants like mesh slings and anchors to treat pelvic conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional circular cross-section needle is used, then the device structure is simple, but the physician lacks visual and tactile feedback for orientation control and experiences finger slippage during manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The needle shaft is designed with a non-circular cross-section (e.g., triangular, rectangular, or polygonal) that provides asymmetric contact surfaces for the physician's fingers. This asymmetric geometry creates distinct tactile feedback when rotating the needle, allowing the physician to sense and control the needle's orientation during insertion. The flats or angled surfaces prevent rotational slippage and improve grip stability compared to a symmetric circular cross-section.
2Productivity
If surgical procedures for pelvic disorders are performed using traditional methods, then comprehensive treatment is achieved, but the procedure time is lengthy and the approach is highly invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a nested configuration where the implant is loaded within the needle shaft, and the needle itself is contained within a delivery system. This nested arrangement allows the entire implant-needle assembly to be inserted through a single small incision, eliminating the need for large surgical openings and extensive tissue dissection required by traditional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle device is designed to deploy the implant through self-contained mechanical action. As the needle is advanced or rotated, the implant automatically transitions from the loaded state to the deployed state within the patient's tissue, without requiring separate surgical steps for implant placement and activation.
3Measurement precision
If a non-circular needle is used, then visual and tactile feedback for orientation is improved, but the manufacturing complexity of the needle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The non-circular cross-section can be manufactured using standard metal forming techniques such as extrusion or machining. Common geometric shapes like triangles, rectangles, or hexagons are readily producible with conventional equipment. The asymmetric geometry provides distinct tactile feedback when rotated, enabling the physician to sense the needle's orientation through finger contact with the flats or angled surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of a trocar or needle system for use in inserting and deploying pelvic implants are provided. The needle device can include a solid or hollow shaft portion with a non-circular cross-section. A grip element can be provided to slide along a length of the needle shaft to further facilitate handling.