Pelvic Implant Anchoring Frame Compression Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pelvic implants require suturing for anchorage, which is difficult to access, can be unstable due to weak sutures and ligaments, and does not accommodate dynamic pressures, and has sharp edges that do not fit the contoured pelvis anatomy.

Innovation Solution

A sutureless pelvic implant with a flexible sheet and a frame that can be compressed for insertion and expanded for anchorage, using a biodegradable material with a pivot or ratchet mechanism for adjustment, allowing it to be anchored into anatomical structures without sutures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If suturing is used to anchor the implant, then the implant can be fixed to anatomical structures, but the procedure becomes difficult due to difficult access, and stability is compromised due to weak sutures and ligaments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplant stabilityVSAvoidsurgical accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the suture component entirely from the anchoring system. Instead of using sutures to attach the implant to anatomical structures, the implant uses a frame with anchoring elements that directly engage with the bone or tissue, eliminating the need for sutures and needles in the difficult-to-access pelvic region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary anchoring mechanism (screws, hooks, or expansion elements integrated into the frame) that mediates between the implant and the anatomical structures. This intermediary provides a more reliable connection than sutures by directly engaging with bone or tissue without relying on ligament strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If rigid anchoring structures are used, then the implant provides stable support, but the implant cannot accommodate dynamic pressures from the abdomen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport stabilityVSAvoidpressure accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a frame structure with adjustable or flexible components that can dynamically adapt to changing pressure conditions. The frame may include elements that can flex, expand, or adjust their configuration in response to abdominal pressure changes, maintaining stable support while accommodating dynamic forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes materials or structural elements whose physical parameters (such as stiffness, shape, or volume) can change in response to applied forces. This allows the anchoring structure to maintain stability under varying pressure conditions by adjusting its mechanical properties dynamically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If sharp corners or edges are used on the implant material, then the implant can be anchored effectively, but the implant does not conform to the contoured shape of the pelvis anatomy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchoring effectivenessVSAvoidanatomical conformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs curved, contoured surfaces on the implant frame and anchoring elements that match the natural contours of the pelvic anatomy. Instead of sharp edges, the design uses smooth, rounded surfaces that conform to the curved anatomical structures, improving both fit and comfort while maintaining anchoring effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different surface characteristics to different parts of the implant. Anchoring regions may have textured or roughened surfaces for enhanced grip, while contact regions with anatomical structures have smooth, contoured surfaces for comfort and conformity. This localized differentiation optimizes both anchoring and anatomical fit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Duration of action of stationary object

If non-biodegradable materials are used, then the implant provides long-term support, but the implant cannot integrate with tissue or degrade naturally

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport durationVSAvoidtissue integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials that combine biodegradable and non-biodegradable components. The biodegradable portion can integrate with and degrade in the tissue over time, while the non-biodegradable portion provides long-term structural support. This composite approach enables both tissue integration and prolonged support duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the implant with biodegradable components that are intended to be gradually discarded by the body's natural processes. As these components degrade, they are replaced by native tissue, achieving tissue integration. The timing and rate of degradation can be controlled to match the healing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentUS8920302B2Pelvic implant with anchoring frame

Publication Date: 2014.12.30 LYRA MEDICAL LTD

AI summary

An implant for a pelvis is provided, wherein suturing is not necessary for anchoring the implant in place. The implant includes a flexible sheet and a solid frame, wherein the frame can be compressed or expanded. Upon insertion through the narrow openings of the pelvis, the frame is compressed, and upon delivery at the site, the frame is expanded, and is designed to anchor to the surrounding anatomical structures.