Shape Memory Needle Delivery Device for Sacrocolpopexy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical techniques for sacrocolpopexy procedures, such as those used to treat pelvic organ prolapse, are time-consuming due to the manual placement of multiple sutures, which can increase the risk of infection and prolong recovery times.
Innovation Solution
A delivery device with a shape memory needle that deploys attachment devices, including a first and second attachment part and a connecting member, allowing for multiple attachments to be made without re-loading, by curving around tissue to maintain a consistent angle and reduce tissue pinching, thereby decreasing surgical time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sutures are manually placed and tied during sacrocolpopexy, then secure attachment of implant to vaginal wall is achieved, but surgical time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The suture is divided into multiple discrete attachment devices, each with its own needle and deployment mechanism. This allows individual attachment points to be placed independently while reducing the time required for each attachment compared to manual suture tying.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment devices are pre-loaded into the delivery system with sutures already threaded and prepared. The needles are pre-configured with the attachment mechanisms, eliminating the need for time-consuming assembly during surgery and allowing immediate deployment upon insertion.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the needle curves back to the same side of tissue, then consistent angle and reduced tissue pinching is achieved, but needle manipulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is designed with a pre-formed curve that allows it to naturally arc back to the same side of the tissue after insertion. This curved geometry eliminates the need for sharp angle changes or pinching motions, reducing tissue damage while maintaining a consistent insertion angle throughout the procedure.
3Productivity
If attachment devices are deployed serially without re-loading, then surgical efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple attachment devices are combined into a single delivery system, with several needles and attachment mechanisms integrated within one handle and firing mechanism. This allows the surgeon to deploy multiple attachment points sequentially without removing or re-loading the device, improving surgical efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery system maintains continuous deployment capability throughout the procedure, with attachment devices ready for immediate sequential deployment. The system remains in place and functional for the entire attachment process, eliminating interruptions for re-loading or device changes and maintaining continuous productive action.
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
The device enables faster and more efficient attachment of implants to vaginal tissue, reducing surgical time and potential complications like infection, while allowing for multiple throws without altering angles or pinching the tissue.
Implementation Method 1
A delivery device with a shape memory needle that deploys attachment devices, including a first and second attachment part and a connecting member, allowing for multiple attachments to be made without re-loading, by curving around tissue to maintain a consistent angle and reduce tissue pinching
Data Source
AI summary
In a generic aspect, an apparatus for delivering attachment devices includes a needle defining a lumen and a distal opening, and a plurality of attachment devices disposed within the lumen of the needle. Each attachment device includes a first attachment part, a second attachment part, and a connecting member coupled to the first attachment part and the second attachment part. The apparatus further includes an actuator configured to drive each attachment device out of the distal opening of the needle during a surgical procedure.