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 hernia recurrence, failing to re-establish support structures and maintain proper esophageal positioning, leading to inconsistent surgical outcomes, especially in obese patients.
Innovation Solution
A hiatal hernia repair mesh with a starlock configuration featuring a central opening and flexible leaflets that allow esophageal movement while resisting upward motion, combined with a self-gripping material for secure placement, to provide structural support and prevent hernia recurrence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional flat mesh is used to provide structural support to the hiatus, then structural support is improved, but the ability to prevent hernia recurrence deteriorates due to failure to re-establish support structures
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh is segmented into multiple functional zones: a central opening to accommodate the esophagus, radial arms extending outward to replicate phrenoesophageal ligament support, and flexible leaflets to restore gastric flap valve function. This segmentation allows each zone to address specific anatomical support requirements independently, thereby preventing hernia recurrence while maintaining structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh transitions from a traditional two-dimensional flat structure to a three-dimensional starlock configuration with radial arms extending in multiple directions. This dimensional change enables the mesh to replicate the complex spatial arrangement of native support structures, providing comprehensive reinforcement that prevents hernia recurrence while maintaining structural integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If mesh is made rigid to provide stable structural support, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to various patient anatomies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh incorporates flexible leaflets and radial arms that can dynamically adapt to different anatomical configurations. These dynamic elements allow the mesh to conform to various patient anatomies while maintaining stable structural support through its engineered starlock geometry and material properties.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the mesh have different mechanical properties: the central opening provides stable structural support, while the radial arms and flexible leaflets provide adaptability. This local differentiation of material properties allows the mesh to simultaneously achieve structural stability and anatomical adaptability in different zones.
3Ease of manufacture
If mesh provides only structural support without addressing support structure re-establishment, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but effectiveness in preventing recurrence deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh is manufactured as an integrated segmented structure with distinct functional zones (central opening, radial arms, flexible leaflets) that can be produced using standardized fabrication processes. This segmentation allows complex functionality to be achieved through modular design, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while ensuring effective recurrence prevention through proper re-establishment of support structures.
Data Source
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.