Superelastic Anchor Delivery for Minimally Invasive Tissue Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional prolapse repair procedures require invasive surgery and hospitalization due to the need for incisions to deliver mesh or implants, which can cause discomfort and prolonged recovery.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive apparatus and method for affixing a vaginal wall to the sacrospinous ligament using an elongated needle with a superelastic anchor and securing element, allowing for tissue fixation without extensive incisions, and a retrieval system to minimize tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mesh or implant delivery through incisions is used, then reliable tissue fixation is achieved, but patient discomfort and recovery time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical incision-and-implant system with a minimally invasive needle-based delivery system. The anchor is delivered through a needle that penetrates the vaginal wall, eliminating the need for large incisions while maintaining reliable fixation through the anchor's engagement with the sacrospinous ligament and vaginal wall tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible catheter system that allows the anchor to be delivered through a small opening in the vaginal wall. The catheter's flexibility enables it to navigate the anatomical structures while maintaining a minimal invasive profile, reducing tissue trauma compared to conventional rigid implant delivery through incisions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally invasive needle delivery is used, then patient discomfort and recovery time are reduced, but the complexity of the delivery system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the delivery system into distinct functional segments: a catheter for navigation, a needle for penetration, and an anchor for fixation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall system compared to conventional single-piece implant delivery mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the anchor is positioned within the needle, which is inserted through the catheter. This nested arrangement allows the components to be compact and manageable while enabling sequential deployment - the needle penetrates first, then the anchor is released into the target tissue through the catheter.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If anchor is delivered through needle penetration, then invasiveness is minimized, but precision of anchor placement becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms during the anchor deployment process. The operator receives tactile feedback through the catheter and needle as they advance, allowing real-time adjustment to ensure precise anchor placement within the sacrospinous ligament. This feedback loop compensates for the reduced control available in minimally invasive procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary actions by pre-positioning the anchor within the needle before insertion. This allows the anchor to be precisely oriented and positioned relative to the needle tip, ensuring accurate placement in the target tissue upon deployment. The preliminary configuration within the needle acts as a guidance system for accurate anchor positioning.
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
Facilitates tissue fixation with reduced invasiveness, minimizing patient discomfort and recovery time, while maintaining effective support for pelvic organ prolapse repair.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated needle with a superelastic anchor and securing element
Implementation Method 2
superelastic anchor
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 1E
AI summary
An apparatus for affixing a first tissue to a second tissue and methods of manufacturing and using the same. The apparatus comprises an elongated needle; a handle disposed at a proximal end of the elongated needle; a superelastic anchor disposed within the elongated needle, the anchor comprises: at least one normally- expanded elongated hook that is biased to a contracted state to fit within the elongated needle; a securing element; and an advancement mechanism triggerable by the handle and being configured to: eject the anchor out of a distal end of said elongated needle to allow the elongated hook to extend distally outward from the longitudinal axis of the elongated needle, into or beyond a tissue, and following the ejection of the anchor, eject the securing element from the apparatus to prevent movement of the anchor in at least one direction.