Reversible Clip Mechanism for Minimally Invasive Implant Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods for attaching implants, such as those used in hernia repair, often require invasive techniques and prolonged recovery times due to the lack of a reversible connection mechanism between the implant and the deployment device, necessitating forceful detachment and potential tissue trauma.
Innovation Solution
An active reversible connection mechanism featuring a clip with multiple configurations and a locking bar, allowing for secure attachment and easy detachment without applying force to the implant, utilizing a wire actuator to transform the locking bar between lock and free configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional surgical methods are used to attach implants, then secure attachment is achieved, but invasive techniques and prolonged recovery times are required due to lack of reversible connection mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism transitions from a static permanent attachment to a dynamic reversible system. The clip can be actively transformed between locked and unlocked states, allowing the attachment to adapt between secured and detached configurations as needed during and after surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking bar acts as an intermediary element between the clip and the implant deployment device. It mediates the connection state by physically blocking or permitting clip movement, enabling controlled reversible attachment without direct force application to the implant itself.
2Reliability
If forceful detachment is used to remove the implant from the deployment device, then attachment is secured, but tissue trauma increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detachment function is extracted from the implant itself and transferred to the locking bar mechanism. By removing the need to apply force to the implant for detachment, the harmful factor of tissue trauma is eliminated while maintaining secure attachment during the surgical procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking bar is pre-positioned to control the clip state. Before detachment is needed, the locking bar is already in place to secure the implant. When detachment is required, the locking bar is simply moved to the unlocked position, allowing gentle release without forceful action on the implant or surrounding tissue.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a reversible connection mechanism is implemented, then tissue trauma is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the clip for attachment, the locking bar for state control, and the wire actuator for locking bar manipulation. This segmentation allows each component to be simple in itself while collectively providing the reversible connection function, reducing overall complexity compared to a monolithic design.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire actuator enables the locking bar to be moved between locked and unlocked states through a simple pulling or pushing action. The mechanism is self-contained and self-operating, requiring minimal external intervention or complex control systems to achieve the reversible connection function.
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument for deploying a surgical implant includes a handle, an elongated shaft extending from the handle, and a frame arm. The frame arm includes a clip pair for releasably attaching the surgical implant to the frame arm. The clip pair includes first and second clips operably coupled by a spring member. The first and second clips are repositionable from a closed position to an open position. The spring member biases the first and second clips towards the closed position. A lock bar is coupled to the frame arm and translatable between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the locked position, the lock bar maintains the first and second clips in either the open or the closed position. When the lock bar is in the unlocked position, the first and second clips are freely rotatable between the open and closed positions.