Removable Sleeve for Implantable Sling Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical techniques for treating stress urinary incontinence require multiple incisions, causing unnecessary trauma to patients and complexity in sling placement.
Innovation Solution
A removable protective sleeve design that allows for the delivery of a supportive sling through a single incision, eliminating the need for multiple incisions by unfolding and removing the sleeve without cutting, and featuring adjustable length for optimal anchoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bone anchoring method is used for sling placement, then sling stabilization is achieved, but multiple incisions are required causing patient trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the anchoring function from the bone anchoring method and implements it through tissue engagement features that anchor the sling to the urethral tissue itself, eliminating the need for separate bone anchoring incisions. The sling includes engagement features that directly interact with the urethral tissue to provide stable anchoring without requiring additional incisions beyond the vaginal wall incision.
Solution Approach 2:
The sling is designed to perform multiple functions within a single structure: it provides urethral support, anchors itself through tissue engagement features, and can be delivered through a single incision. The mid-urethral sling combines the support function with self-anchoring capabilities, eliminating the need for separate bone anchoring procedures and reducing the number of incisions required.
2Ease of operation
If anchorless approaches are used for mid-urethra sling stabilization, then surgical technique is simplified, but additional incisions are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for additional incisions by integrating the anchoring function into the sling structure itself. The engagement features are built into the sling to interact with urethral tissue, allowing the sling to anchor without requiring separate incisions for bone anchoring or other stabilization methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The sling acts as an intermediary structure that bridges the vaginal wall and the urethral tissue. The engagement features serve as intermediaries that connect the sling to the urethral tissue, allowing stable anchoring without requiring direct access to bone or additional incisions. The flared distal end and engagement features mediate the interaction between the sling and the urethral tissue.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If protective sleeve is designed to be removable without cutting, then patient trauma is reduced, but sleeve removal mechanism must be complex
Solution Approach 1:
The protective sleeve is segmented into multiple sections: a first section with a flared distal end, a second section with engagement features, and a third section with a proximal end. The engagement features include discontinuities that allow the sleeve to be released and removed without cutting. This segmentation allows the sleeve to be delivered through a single incision and then easily removed by activating the release mechanism at the distal end.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective sleeve transitions from a closed, protective state during delivery to an open, removable state after placement. The engagement features with discontinuities allow the sleeve to dynamically change its configuration - initially enclosing the sling for protected delivery, then allowing controlled release and removal without cutting. The flared distal end provides dynamic expansion to facilitate release.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for delivering of a sling assembly and removal of the sleeve at least partially enclosing the sling through a single orifice of incision are disclosed.