Pelvic Implant With Self-Fixating Tips for Single-Incision Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods for treating pelvic conditions such as urinary incontinence and prolapse often require multiple incisions, leading to increased trauma and complexity, and existing implants may cause complications like urethral obstruction and tissue erosion.
Innovation Solution
A pelvic implant system with self-fixating tips that can be secured within internal tissue using a single incision, allowing for direct tactile palpation and reduced trauma, and eliminating the need for external incisions by using a single medial incision for implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple incisions are used for implantation, then the implant can be securely anchored to pelvic tissue, but the surgical trauma and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into multiple functional components: a mesh body for tissue support and distribution, extension portions for reaching anchor sites, and self-fixating tips for secure anchoring. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while being delivered through a single incision, reducing surgical trauma while maintaining anchoring security.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-fixating tips are designed to automatically anchor the implant into pelvic tissue without requiring separate anchoring devices or additional incisions. The tips feature lateral extensions that engage tissue upon insertion, providing self-contained anchoring functionality that simplifies the surgical procedure and reduces trauma.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple incisions are made for implant delivery, then the implant can be properly positioned, but the procedure time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The implant design combines the support function, delivery mechanism, and anchoring function into a single integrated structure. The mesh body, extension portions, and self-fixating tips work together as one unit that can be delivered through a single incision, eliminating the need for multiple separate procedures and reducing overall surgical time while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension portions of the implant can be routed through tissue planes and anatomical spaces to reach distant anchor sites without requiring additional external incisions. This three-dimensional routing capability allows proper implant positioning while maintaining a minimally invasive single-incision approach, reducing surgical complexity and time.
3Reliability
If existing implant designs are used, then pelvic tissue support can be provided, but complications such as urethral obstruction and tissue erosion occur
Solution Approach 1:
The implant uses different materials and structures in different regions: the mesh body provides broad tissue support with appropriate porosity and flexibility, while the self-fixating tips use a different configuration optimized for secure anchoring without causing erosion. This local differentiation of material properties and structures reduces complications while maintaining support reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh construction of the implant body provides porosity that allows tissue ingrowth and integration, reducing the risk of tissue erosion and infection. The porous structure enables physiological fluid exchange and promotes healthy tissue interaction, thereby reducing complications while maintaining effective pelvic support.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are pelvic implants (e.g., urinary incontinence sling, hammock, etc.) and method of inserting a pelvic implant that provide treatment for pelvic floor disorders such as incontinence or stress urinary incontinence.