Pelvic Implant Support Member Length and Arm Anchoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pelvic implants often fail to provide adequate support for the pelvic region, leading to complications during vaginal vault procedures and may not effectively address conditions like uterine prolapse or rectocele, as they may not be designed to span the correct anatomical lengths or secure properly within the body.

Innovation Solution

A pelvic implant with a support member configured to extend the length of the vaginal apex, coupled with arm members that can be securely attached to bodily tissue, specifically designed to be placed adjacent the vaginal apex without extending between the vagina and rectum, using materials like mesh for tissue integration and delivery aids like sleeve assemblies for precise placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the support member is made long enough to extend from the vaginal apex to the rectum, then it may provide additional support, but it risks compromising the rectum or bladder and causing complications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport adequacyVSAvoidrectal or bladder compromise

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is designed with specific length characteristics to provide support only where needed (vaginal apex) without extending into areas that could cause harm (rectum or bladder). This localized approach ensures adequate support while avoiding complications with adjacent organs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If the implant uses traditional securing methods, then it may be easier to implant, but it may not provide adequate anchoring and secure placement within the pelvic anatomy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplantation simplicityVSAvoidanchoring security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The implant incorporates mesh material that can be securely attached to bodily tissue, combining the ease of implantation with reliable anchoring. The mesh structure allows for tissue integration while maintaining secure placement within the pelvic anatomy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS9387061B2Pelvic implants and methods of implanting the same

Publication Date: 2016.07.12 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

AI summary

In one embodiment, an implant is configured to be placed within a body of a patient. The implant includes a support member. The support member is configured to be placed adjacent a vaginal apex of a patient. The support member has a length sufficient to extend the length of the vaginal apex but not of a length sufficient to extend from the vaginal apex to a location between a vagina of the patient and a rectum of the patient. The implant also includes first and second arm members coupled to the support member. The arm members are configured to be coupled to bodily tissue of the patient to help secure the implant within the body of the patient.