Pelvic Implant Anchors for Single-Incision Tissue Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods for treating pelvic conditions such as urinary incontinence and prolapse often require multiple incisions and may not provide sufficient urethral support, leading to limited effectiveness and increased trauma.
Innovation Solution
A pelvic implant system with mesh extension portions and anchors designed for minimally invasive deployment, using a delivery tool with a thin needle and sheath to secure the implant within the pelvic tissue, reducing the need for external incisions and enhancing tissue support through anchor fixation and ingrowth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional surgical methods are used to treat pelvic conditions, then urethral support can be provided, but multiple incisions are required causing increased tissue trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into multiple functional segments: a mesh body portion for urethral support, extension portions for anchoring, and self-fixating tips for tissue engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while being delivered through a single incision, reducing tissue trauma while maintaining support effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The implant components are nested within a delivery system where the mesh body, extension portions, and self-fixating tips are contained within a catheter or delivery device. This nesting enables minimally invasive single-incision delivery while ensuring all components are properly positioned for effective urethral support
2Object-affected harmful factors
If self-fixating tips are used for anchor placement, then tissue trauma is reduced, but anchor placement precision is limited
Solution Approach 1:
A delivery device acts as an intermediary tool that guides the self-fixating tips to precise target locations within the pelvic tissue. The delivery device includes positioning features and guidance mechanisms that ensure accurate anchor placement while the self-fixating tips maintain their low-trauma insertion characteristic
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery device is pre-configured with the implant components and guidance features before insertion. The positioning and alignment are established during the delivery phase, ensuring precise anchor placement is achieved before the self-fixating tips engage the tissue, combining precision with minimal trauma
Data Source
AI summary
Described and depicted are pelvic sling implant and delivery systems. The sling implants can be used in treating stress incontinence and other pelvic floor disorders. The sling systems can include a mesh extension or support portion and one or more tip anchors. A delivery tool can include a handle (61), a needle (62) and a sheath (70), with the sheath having an elongate shaft portion slidable along at least a portion of the needle. The sheath can further include a distal hood portion having opposed flared portions (78) defining interior pleat channels adapted to selectively seat tine ends of the anchors.