Self-Expanding Support Body for Hernia Patch Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hernia repair procedures face challenges in efficiently deploying and fixing hernia repair patches, particularly in minimizing tissue damage and ensuring secure fixation without causing adhesions to sensitive organs, due to the size and expansion requirements of the patches.
Innovation Solution
A deployment device comprising a self-expanding support body and a handle that assists in spreading the patch from a reduced configuration to an expanded configuration, allowing secure fixation over the hernia defect and subsequent collapsible removal, utilizing a handle to direct pulling forces for efficient withdrawal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the patch is reduced in size to enable passage through the surgical opening, then the patch can be delivered through minimally invasive procedure, but the patch cannot cover the defect until expanded at the treatment site
Solution Approach 1:
The support body is designed to be dynamically changeable between expanded and collapsed configurations. When delivered, it is collapsed to fit through the surgical opening. At the treatment site, it expands to support the patch, and after patch fixation, it is collapsed again for removal through the same opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The support body can be nested within itself when collapsed, allowing it to be contained within a delivery system and later expanded at the treatment site. The collapsed support body fits within the patch pocket, and the entire assembly can be delivered through a minimally invasive approach.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the support body is made rigid to provide stable support for the patch, then the patch can be securely held in position, but the support body cannot be collapsed for removal through the surgical opening
Solution Approach 1:
The support body transitions between rigid and flexible states. When expanded, it provides rigid support to hold the patch stable against the abdominal wall. When collapsed, it becomes flexible enough to be withdrawn through the surgical opening. The hinges enable controlled folding while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support body is divided into multiple segments connected by hinges, allowing it to be folded and collapsed. Each segment can rotate relative to others, enabling the support body to transition from an expanded planar configuration to a collapsed configuration that fits within the patch pocket for removal.
3Reliability
If the support body is left in place permanently to maintain patch position, then the patch remains securely fixed, but the support body causes adhesion to sensitive organs and requires separate removal procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The support body performs its support function temporarily during the critical period when the patch needs fixation. After the patch is securely attached to the abdominal wall, the support body is collapsed and removed from the patch pocket, eliminating the source of potential adhesion to sensitive organs while the patch remains in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The support body is designed as a temporary, disposable component. After fulfilling its purpose of supporting the patch during fixation, it is removed from the patch pocket and discarded, while the patch remains permanently in place. The support body does not remain in the body, avoiding long-term complications.
4Length of moving object
If the support body is designed to be easily collapsed for removal, then the device can be withdrawn through the surgical opening, but the support body cannot provide sufficient structural support for patch fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The support body exhibits dynamic mechanical properties, being rigid when expanded to provide support, and collapsible when needed for removal. The hinges and connecting elements are designed to allow controlled folding while maintaining structural integrity during the support phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The support body is made from materials that provide both strength and flexibility. The use of resilient materials allows the support body to maintain its shape and provide structural support when expanded, while also allowing it to be collapsed and folded for removal through the surgical opening.
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
Enables secure and minimally invasive hernia repair by facilitating the expansion and fixation of patches over defects while minimizing tissue damage and adhesion risks, with the ability to collapse and withdraw the device without spilling bodily fluids.
Implementation Method 1
Certain hernia repair patches include a resilient support member, such as an elastic filament, that is collapsed along with the patch into a reduced configuration and delivered through the surgical opening. After delivery through the incision, the resilient support member opens, such as by unfurling if rolled into the reduced configuration, causing the associated patch to expand into the enlarged repair configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A deployment device for positioning a soft tissue repair prosthesis includes a self-expanding support body releasably attachable to the prosthesis. The support body may be removably insertable into a pocket of the prosthesis. A handle coupled to the support body facilitates positioning the patch and/or removal of the support body from the pocket. The support body may substantially occupy the pocket in an expanded configuration. The handle may be arranged to direct a pulling force to the outer peripheral edge of the support body and/or cause a portion thereof to be pulled downward and below the body during withdrawal of the deployment device from the prosthesis. The support body may include support segments pivotally coupled together and foldable to collapse the support body for insertion into and removal from the pocket. One or more resilient support members may be provided for collapsing and expanding the support body and the prosthesis.