Implantable Prosthesis Graft Attachment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical procedures for implanting breast implants and tissue expanders face complications such as capsular contracture, scar formation, implant displacement, and palpability due to the time-consuming process of attaching graft materials and inconsistent results from inexperienced surgeons.

Innovation Solution

An implantable prosthesis comprising a tissue expander attached to graft material in a manner that allows for easy separation over time, using features like molded grooves, fixation tacks, zip ties, magnets, and biocompatible flaps to secure and later release the graft material from the tissue expander.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If graft material is attached to tissue expander using traditional surgical sutures, then the attachment is secure, but the procedure time increases and surgical complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidprocedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The graft material is pre-attached to the tissue expander before implantation, with attachment features (such as tabs, slots, or adhesive surfaces) already positioned and ready. This eliminates the need for time-consuming intraoperative suturing while maintaining secure attachment during the expansion period

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional mechanical suturing is replaced with alternative attachment mechanisms such as adhesive surfaces, magnetic attraction, or snap-fit features that can be applied quickly without requiring complex surgical techniques or extensive procedure time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If graft material is pre-attached to tissue expander, then procedure time decreases and consistency improves, but the ability to adjust positioning intraoperatively is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedure efficiencyVSAvoidintraoperative adjustment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism incorporates movable or adjustable elements that allow the graft material to be repositioned intraoperatively before final securing. For example, the graft may be temporarily held by friction-fit tabs that can be slid to adjust position, or adhesive bonds that can be repositioned within a time window after application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If permanent attachment methods are used, then graft material remains securely attached, but removal of tissue expander becomes more difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidremoval ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is divided into separable components with asymmetric attachment features. The tissue expander has attachment features (such as protruding tabs or magnetic surfaces) that securely hold the graft material during the expansion period, but are designed to release easily when the expander is removed, allowing the graft to remain intact and properly positioned

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment mechanism is designed as a temporary bonding system where the attachment features on the tissue expander are discarded or deactivated upon removal of the expander. This allows easy separation while preserving the graft material for continued function or aesthetic outcome

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

4Reliability

If multiple attachment features are added to secure graft material, then attachment reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidprosthesis structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tissue expander incorporates multi-functional surface features that serve both structural and attachment purposes. For example, textured or grooved surfaces provide both structural integrity and attachment grip for the graft material, while magnetic surfaces provide both positioning guidance and secure attachment, eliminating the need for separate attachment components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach reduces procedure time, minimizes the need for surgical sutures, improves consistency, and reduces complications like capsular contracture and inflammatory responses, allowing for easier removal of tissue expanders while retaining graft material.

Implementation Method 1

the prosthesis also comprises a biocompatible flap and two or more magnets, wherein at least one magnet is secured to a surface of the tissue expander and at least one magnet is secured to the flap on the tissue expander, and wherein the graft material is secured between the two magnets

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10959833B2Implantable prosthesis having acellular tissue attachments

Publication Date: 2021.03.30 LIFECELL CORP

AI summary

Improved prostheses comprising a tissue expander and a graft material are disclosed herein. Also disclosed are methods of making prostheses and methods of treatment using the prostheses.