Removable Support Prosthesis for Hernia Repair
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current hernia repair methods using prosthetic meshes face challenges due to additional stiffness from support members or washers, which can lead to incomplete integration with the abdominal wall, increased foreign body response, and higher risks of hernia recurrence, as well as difficulties in accessing and fixing the peripheral edge of the patch during surgery.
Innovation Solution
A biologically compatible prosthesis with a flexible design featuring two layers and a delivery device with a planar support piece that expands to maintain a flat orientation, allowing for easier positioning and fixation without permanent support members, and a handle for precise placement and removal, minimizing foreign body material and enhancing tissue integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a resilient support member is attached to the prosthesis to urge it into planar configuration, then the prosthesis maintains flat orientation, but the prosthesis becomes permanently rigid and cannot conform to abdominal wall contours
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented into two phases: during implantation, the support member provides rigid planar stability; after implantation, the support member is removed and the prosthesis relies on tissue ingrowth and fixation to maintain position, allowing contour conformability
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis transitions from a static rigid state (with support member) to a dynamic flexible state (without support member), adapting its rigidity based on the implantation phase to balance orientation stability with contour conformability
2Stability of the object's composition
If a support washer is implanted with the prosthesis to maintain planar orientation, then the prosthesis remains flat, but additional foreign body material increases stiffness and compromises flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The support washer is extracted from the permanent implant components and treated as a temporary implantation aid only, removing it after the prosthesis is secured to eliminate unnecessary foreign body material and restore flexibility
3Adaptability or versatility
If the prosthesis is made flexible to conform to abdominal wall, then the prosthesis adapts to contours, but it becomes difficult to maintain flat orientation during fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is applied preliminarily during implantation to enforce flat orientation, making positioning and fixation easier, and is removed afterward when the prosthesis can naturally conform to contours through tissue integration
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
The solution enables better conformity to the abdominal wall contours, reduces foreign body response, and facilitates complete integration of the prosthesis, minimizing the risk of hernia recurrence and improving surgical precision by eliminating the need for permanent support structures.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient support member disposed on a patch, the resilient support member being constructed and arranged to urge the patch into a planar configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A delivery device for inserting a prosthesis to repair a muscle wall defect has platen and a handle attached to the platen. The platen is collapsible to a reduced configuration. A prosthesis is formed with a pocket to receive the platen and can be maneuvered in to position with the handle. After the prosthesis is secured, the platen is removed.