Reversible Clip Mechanism for Minimally Invasive Hernia Implant Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods for hernia repair require invasive techniques with significant tissue trauma and long recovery times, and there is a lack of reversible connection devices between implants and deployment devices.
Innovation Solution
An active reversible connection mechanism using a clip with three configurations (horizontal, vertical, and free motion) and a locking bar with two configurations (lock and free) allows for secure attachment and detachment of implants to deployment devices without applying force to the implant, utilizing a detachment actuator to transform the locking bar and enable free rotation of the clip for detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional open surgery is used for hernia repair, then effective corrective surgery is achieved, but tissue trauma is significant and recovery time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical approach is segmented into minimally invasive laparoscopic ports rather than a single large open incision. Multiple small ports (3-6mm) are used to insert instruments, distributing the tissue disruption across several small locations rather than one large wound, thereby reducing overall tissue trauma while maintaining surgical effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional open mechanical incisions are replaced with laparoscopic mechanical instruments inserted through small ports. The deployment device uses mechanical expansion mechanisms (balloon or self-expanding frames) to deploy implants without requiring large tissue openings, substituting invasive mechanical cutting with less traumatic mechanical insertion and expansion methods.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If laparoscopic surgery is used for hernia repair, then tissue trauma is minimized and recovery is accelerated, but a reversible connection device between implant and deployment device is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism transitions from static to dynamic through the use of expandable deployment devices and reversible locking mechanisms. The deployment device can be expanded to secure the implant permanently or collapsed to release it, providing dynamic adaptability during the surgical process. This allows the same device to serve both deployment and potential retrieval functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The reversible connection mechanism enables the deployment device to be discarded (removed) from the body after implant deployment, while the implant remains. The locking mechanism can be engaged to secure the implant or disengaged to allow device removal, separating the functions of implant retention and device retrieval. This is achieved through designed interfaces that allow one-way retention but two-way device removal.
3Reliability
If traditional tissue anchors are used to secure implant to tissue, then reliable attachment is achieved, but the attachment mechanism is rigid and inflexible
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism utilizes shape memory alloys that change their physical parameters (shape, rigidity) in response to temperature changes or other stimuli. The alloy can transition between a rigid locked state for secure attachment and a flexible deformable state for placement, allowing the same anchor to provide both reliable attachment and operational flexibility during deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional rigid anchors are replaced with dynamic attachment mechanisms that can change their structural state. The anchors incorporate movable components, spring mechanisms, or shape memory materials that allow them to adapt their rigidity and configuration during deployment, providing flexibility in the attachment process while maintaining reliability when secured.
4Ease of operation
If open surgery with large incisions is used, then direct access to abdominal cavity is achieved, but hospital stay is extended and pain is intense
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical access is segmented into multiple small ports (3-6mm) distributed across the abdominal wall rather than one large incision. This segmentation allows instrument insertion and implant deployment while minimizing the total tissue disruption and wound surface area, thereby reducing postoperative pain and enabling faster hospital discharge without compromising surgical access.
Solution Approach 2:
A laparoscopic camera system and specialized instruments serve as intermediaries to provide direct visualization and manipulation within the abdominal cavity through small ports. The camera acts as an intermediary visual bridge, allowing the surgeon to see and work inside the body without requiring large open incisions, thus maintaining surgical access while reducing trauma and shortening hospital stay.
Data Source
AI summary
At least one aspect of this disclosure includes a system for closing an aperture in a biological tissue, the system comprising a handle, an elongate shaft connected to the handle, a deployment scaffold connected to the shaft, the deployment scaffold comprising a frame and a plurality of deployment arms hingedly connected to the frame, wherein the frame is configured to move from a retained position to at least one deployed position, a plurality of clips connected to the arms, wherein the clips are configured to releasably retain a surgical implant, and at least one sleeve selectively disposed at least partially over at least one of the plurality of arms when the frame is in the retained position, and selectively exposing at least one of the clips in the deployed position.