Starlock Hiatal Hernia Mesh for Esophageal Anti-Sliding Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current hiatal hernia repair meshes lack standardization and effectiveness in preventing recurrence, as they primarily provide structural support without addressing the re-establishment of support structures like the phrenoesophageal ligament and gastric flap valve, leading to inconsistent outcomes and a risk of hernia recurrence.

Innovation Solution

A hiatal hernia repair mesh with a starlock configuration that includes a mesh frame with a central opening and flexible leaflets extending inwardly, allowing esophageal movement while resisting upward movement into the chest cavity, thereby reinforcing the hiatus and re-establishing the gastric flap valve.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional meshes are used to provide structural support to the hiatus, then the mesh can be easily positioned and installed, but the meshes fail to re-establish support structures like the phrenoesophageal ligament and gastric flap valve, leading to hernia recurrence

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of hernia recurrenceVSAvoidmesh structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mesh is divided into multiple functional segments: a mesh frame for structural support, a central opening for esophageal passage, and a starlock configuration with flexible leaflets for preventing upward movement. Each segment performs a specific function that collectively addresses the limitations of traditional meshes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The starlock configuration with flexible leaflets provides dynamic functionality by allowing controlled movement in certain directions while restricting movement in other directions. The leaflets can flex to accommodate esophageal motion while maintaining resistance against upward herniation forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the mesh provides rigid structural support to prevent upward movement, then hernia recurrence is reduced, but normal esophageal function and movement are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of upward movementVSAvoidesophageal movement freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Different portions of the mesh have different mechanical properties optimized for their specific functions. The mesh frame provides rigid structural support where needed, while the starlock leaflets provide flexible, directional resistance that adapts to local esophageal movement requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The starlock configuration creates a dynamic system that adapts its resistance based on the direction and nature of applied forces. The flexible leaflets allow physiological esophageal movements while automatically providing resistance against pathological upward movement that causes hernia recurrence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If standardized mesh designs are used for hiatal hernia repair, then manufacturing and installation are simplified, but the meshes cannot adapt to various patient anatomies and surgical techniques

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemesh standardizationVSAvoidadaptability to patient anatomy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mesh design incorporates multiple functional elements within a single device that can address various anatomical variations and surgical requirements. The combination of mesh frame, central opening, and starlock configuration creates a universal solution that adapts to different patient anatomies through its inherent design flexibility rather than requiring multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260053614A1Hiatal hernia repair mesh with starlock configuration for hiatal hernia repairs and methods thereof

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 SYN LLC

AI summary

A hiatal hernia repair mesh with starlock configuration for providing structural reinforcement to hiatal hernia repairs and a mechanism to prevent esophageal sliding. The hiatal hernia repair mesh includes a mesh frame configured to provide structural support to a repaired hiatus when positioned against the repaired hiatus. The hiatal hernia repair mesh includes a central opening disposed within the mesh frame, configured to surround an esophagus and allow the esophagus to pass through the mesh frame. A starlock configuration is disposed around the central opening, including a plurality of flexible leaflets extending inwardly from a perimeter of the central opening. Each of the flexible leaflets is configured to allow movement of the esophagus in a first direction to allow esophageal dilation during peristalsis while providing resistance against movement of the esophagus toward a chest cavity to prevent recurrence of a hiatal hernia.