Pelvic Implant Segmentation and Dynamics for Levator Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pelvic floor disorders such as levator muscle weakness or injury lead to conditions like fecal incontinence, prolapse, and sexual dysfunction, as existing treatments like pelvic implants are not effective in providing sustained support and stability to the levator muscles.
Innovation Solution
Development of pelvic implants, including mesh or biologic slings and hammocks, designed to support levator tissue by attaching to various pelvic structures, using tissue fasteners and adjustable mechanisms to provide dynamic support and prevent recurrence of prolapse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pelvic implants are used to support levator tissue, then continence and pelvic support are improved, but the complexity of the surgical procedure and device structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pelvic implant is divided into multiple functional segments: a mesh body portion for tissue support, extension portions for anchoring, and fastening mechanisms for adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system reliability for pelvic support.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant incorporates adjustable fastening mechanisms and tensioning elements that allow dynamic adjustment of support force and positioning after implantation. This enables the device to adapt to tissue healing and settling, maintaining effective support without requiring overly complex fixed-structure designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable mechanisms are incorporated into pelvic implants, then adaptability to patient anatomy is improved, but the device complexity and surgical time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is designed with pre-configured extension portions and fastening elements that are prepared before implantation. The mesh body is pre-formed with attachment points, and the adjustment mechanisms are pre-assembled, allowing surgeons to make final adjustments during a simplified post-implantation tuning phase rather than requiring complex real-time adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the implant have different levels of adjustability: the mesh body provides fixed structural support, while the extension portions and fastening mechanisms provide localized adjustment capability. This allows anatomical adaptation where needed without adding complexity to the entire device structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If extensive tissue dissection is performed for implant placement, then implant positioning accuracy is improved, but surgical trauma and recovery time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The implant features curved and contoured shapes that match the natural anatomy of the pelvic floor and levator muscles. This anatomical conformability allows the device to be positioned accurately with minimal dissection, as the curved design naturally follows tissue planes rather than requiring extensive cutting to achieve proper positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are pelvic implants and methods of surgically placing pelvic implants, that provide treatment for pelvic floor disorders by support of the levator.