Sling Anchor System with Adjustable Connectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing introducer devices for sling suspension procedures are unwieldy and time-consuming to attach and detach from implant materials, hindering efficient implantation in stress urinary incontinence treatment.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising tissue anchors, filamentary elements, and a support member with adjustable and releasable connectors, allowing for efficient implantation and tension adjustment, including a kit with an introducer needle and soft tissue anchors connected via filamentary elements with perforations for secure fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional introducer devices are used for sling suspension procedures, then implantation can be achieved, but the devices are unwieldy and time-consuming to attach and detach from implant materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachment and detachmentVSAvoidoperative time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the implantation components into separate functional elements: tissue anchors with barbs for securement, filamentary elements for connection, and a support member with connectors. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates quicker assembly and detachment compared to traditional integrated introducer devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connectors on the support member are designed to be adjustably and releasably connected to the filamentary elements. This dynamic connection system allows for easy adjustment and detachment during the procedure, reducing operative time and improving ease of operation compared to fixed traditional introducer devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If traditional sling suspension procedures are used, then urinary incontinence can be treated, but the procedure is invasive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of treatmentVSAvoidtissue trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The tissue anchors feature barbs at specific locations designed to engage with tissue at the obturator foramen, providing localized securement. This localized anchoring approach ensures reliable treatment effectiveness while minimizing widespread tissue trauma compared to traditional extensive suturing procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system is pre-assembled with tissue anchors connected to filamentary elements that are then connected to the support member during the procedure. This preliminary preparation of components allows for quicker implantation with less tissue manipulation, reducing tissue trauma while maintaining treatment reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8845512B2Sling anchor system

Publication Date: 2014.09.30 CR BARD INC

AI summary

The present disclosure is generally directed to surgical articles useful for implanting support members in patients. The articles disclosed herein include a support member, such as a sling for urinary incontinence, tissue anchors, filamentary elements for associating the support member with the anchors, and introducer needles for placing the anchors in a patient. The support members can also be configured for use in pelvic floor repair, such as for treating cystoceles, rectoceles, and enteroceles.