Segmented Skirt Surgical Mesh Delivery Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical meshes used in soft tissue repairs, such as hernia repairs, often distort when the skirted rim is lifted for fixation, making it difficult to achieve a flat, symmetrical repair, and there is a need for a device that facilitates fast and simple delivery and deployment of surgical mesh during minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A segmented skirted surgical mesh with a base layer and a segmented continuous skirt featuring slits that form flaps, allowing for secure fixation without distorting the base layer, combined with a delivery and deployment device comprising a hollow outer tube, inner tube, central rod, and actuation element to facilitate minimally invasive deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a continuous skirt or rim is provided on skirted surgical mesh to facilitate fixation, then ease of operation is improved, but the base layer distorts significantly when the skirt is pulled up for suturing
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous skirt is divided into multiple segments by making radial cuts from the inner edge toward the outer edge, creating discrete flaps. This segmentation allows each flap to be manipulated independently for fixation while the base layer remains stable, as the cuts release the tension that would otherwise distort the base layer when the skirt is pulled.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tight radii are used at the longitudinal ends of oval skirted surgical meshes, then the mesh fits anatomical defects better, but the distortion of the base layer increases when the continuous skirt is pulled up
Solution Approach 1:
The radial cuts are positioned to create segments that can be independently manipulated at the tight radius areas. This allows the mesh to conform to anatomical defects with tight radii while preventing base layer distortion through the segmented structure that releases tension at critical curvature points.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmentation is applied specifically at areas where tight radii create excessive tension, allowing localized relief of distortion while maintaining the overall anatomical fit of the mesh. The cuts are strategically positioned to address the specific geometric challenges of tight radius areas.
3Reliability
If open surgical procedures are used for soft tissue reconstruction, then the surgical mesh can be securely fixed to soft tissue, but the procedure requires larger incisions and longer recovery time
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented skirt design allows for minimally invasive delivery and deployment where each segment can be independently positioned and fixed. This enables secure fixation through smaller incisions compared to open procedures, as the segments can be manipulated and secured through limited access points while maintaining reliable attachment to the soft tissue.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for delivering a surgical mesh, the apparatus comprising: a hollow outer tube having a distal end and a proximal end; a distal housing mounted to the distal end of the hollow outer tube; a hollow inner tube having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the hollow inner tube is slidably disposed within the hollow outer tube; a central rod having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the central rod is slidably disposed within the hollow inner tube; an actuation element mounted to the proximal end of the central rod; and a surgical mesh carriage comprising a plurality of legs, wherein each of the plurality of legs comprises a first hinged end mounted to the distal end of the hollow inner tube and a second hinged end mounted to the distal end of the central rod.