Reversible Patch Deployment Device for Minimally Invasive Hernia Repair

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical methods for hernia repair require invasive techniques, leading to prolonged recovery times and increased trauma to the patient, as existing attachment mechanisms for patches are not reversible, necessitating the development of a device that allows for efficient and minimally invasive attachment and detachment of patches during surgery.

Innovation Solution

A patch deployment device (PDD) equipped with a crescent-shaped connection clip (CC) that can switch between attached and detached configurations using vertical forces, enabling reversible coupling with the patch, allowing for secure attachment and easy detachment from the PDD.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional surgical incision through major abdominal muscles is used, then effective corrective surgery of hernia defect is achieved, but hospital stay and recovery period are extended

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffectiveness of hernia repairVSAvoidhospital stay and recovery period
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of open surgical incision with a laparoscopic system that uses small ports and inflatable balloons to deploy patches. The patch deployment device uses mechanical inflation to expand the patch within the abdominal cavity through minimal incisions, substituting the traditional large-incision mechanical approach with a less invasive mechanical system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces inflatable balloons as intermediaries between the surgeon and the hernia defect. The balloons are inserted through small ports, inflated to deploy the patch, and then deflated for removal. This intermediary approach allows effective hernia repair without requiring large surgical incisions, thereby reducing hospital stay and recovery time while maintaining repair effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If traditional anchors with rigid or inflexible attachment are used, then tissue is secured by impaling, but the attachment mechanism is not reversible and requires complex surgery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetissue attachment strengthVSAvoidreversibility of attachment
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the attachment mechanism reversible rather than fixed. The connection clips can be attached to secure the patch to tissue and later detached to remove the patch without complex surgery. This dynamic attachment system allows the surgical device to transition between secured and released states, improving ease of operation while maintaining adequate tissue attachment strength during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of time

If laparoscopic technique with multiple ports is used, then recovery time is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecovery periodVSAvoidnumber of ports and instruments
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated patch deployment device. The device combines the patch, connection clips, and deployment mechanism into one unit that can be inserted through a single port. This consolidation reduces the number of separate instruments and ports needed compared to traditional laparoscopic techniques, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the recovery time benefits of minimally invasive surgery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Facilitates minimally invasive surgery by providing a fast and reliable method for attaching and detaching patches, reducing tissue trauma and recovery time, while enabling bidirectional deployment and detachment of the patch, thus improving surgical efficiency and patient outcomes.

Implementation Method 1

a clip for reversibly attaching a patch to the PDD, said clip characterised by a predetermined U-shaped body... said protruding portion (201) comprising at least two configurations: (i) an attached configuration... and (ii) a detached configuration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3508144B1Patch deployment device
Publication Date: 2021.04.07 COVIDIEN LP
  • EP3508144B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3508144B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~1D
  • EP3508144B1 patent drawingFigure 1E~1G

AI summary

A patch deployment device (PDD) comprising:-a distal portion adapted to be inserted into a body, and a proximal portion adjacent to a user; said distal portion and said proximal portion interconnected along a main longitudinal axis; a clip for reversibly attaching a patch to the PDD, said clip characterised by a predetermined U-shaped body at the distal end of the main longitudinal axis, wherein said clip is substantially parallel to the main longitudinal axis.