Stylet Retention Mechanism for Mesh Implant Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing insertion devices for mesh implants in medical procedures often result in misplacement of the implant due to lack of retention mechanisms, leading to unnecessary trauma and stretching of the implant during insertion and removal, making it difficult to maintain the implant at the intended location within bodily tissue.

Innovation Solution

A stylet and elongate member with retention members and coupling mechanisms are used to securely couple and decouple the mesh implant from the insertion device, ensuring the implant remains in place by applying forces in specific directions to maintain or release the implant's position within the tissue.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the mesh implant is uncoupled from the insertion device and the insertion device is removed from the tissue, then the insertion device can be withdrawn, but the mesh implant can be inadvertently moved from its intended position causing misplacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval of insertion deviceVSAvoidpositioning accuracy of mesh implant

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retention mechanism is divided into two distinct components: a retention member on the insertion device and a corresponding engagement feature on the mesh implant. This segmentation allows the retention function to be distributed across both components, enabling secure holding during insertion while allowing controlled release when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retention member is pre-configured on the insertion device before the procedure begins. The engagement feature on the mesh implant is designed to automatically interface with this pre-positioned retention member during insertion, ensuring that retention capability is already in place before positioning is required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the mesh implant is stretched during insertion to reach the intended location, then the implant can be positioned, but the stretching causes misplacement and trauma to the patient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning of mesh implantVSAvoidtrauma to patient tissue

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The retention member acts as an intermediary between the insertion device and the mesh implant, providing a mechanical interface that transfers positioning forces without requiring excessive stretching of the implant or surrounding tissue. This intermediary mechanism allows for controlled, minimal-force positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the insertion device is designed with retention mechanisms to hold the mesh implant, then misplacement is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention of mesh implantVSAvoidstructure of insertion device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retention functionality is concentrated in a localized region on the insertion device rather than being distributed throughout the entire device structure. The retention member is positioned at a specific location where it can effectively engage with the mesh implant without requiring complex mechanisms throughout the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9301750B2Device and method for delivery of mesh-based devices

Publication Date: 2016.04.05 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

AI summary

In some embodiments, a stylet includes a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and a medial portion between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion. The distal end portion of the stylet is configured to be releasably coupled to a first portion of an implant. The medial portion of the stylet has at least one retention member configured to be releasably coupled to a second portion of the implant.