Surgical Fastener with Open Ring for Hernia Prosthesis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for repairing hernial defects using prostheses face challenges such as difficulty in spreading and attaching the prosthesis, risk of recurrence, and trauma to the patient due to high tension and improper positioning, especially with flexible prostheses that tend to fold or twist under abdominal pressure.

Innovation Solution

A surgical fastener with a biocompatible, flexible prosthesis design featuring a reinforcing section with an open ring that rigidifies the prosthesis after introduction, allowing for minimal incision and secure attachment to the abdominal wall using an attachment arm with harpoon-like attachment means, minimizing trauma and recurrence risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible prosthesis is used to repair hernial defects, then the prosthesis can be easily introduced and adapted to the abdominal wall, but it tends to fold and twist under abdominal pressure, making it difficult to spread out and attach properly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability of prosthesis to abdominal wallVSAvoiddifficulty in spreading and attaching prosthesis

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The prosthesis is divided into multiple segments or struts that can be independently positioned and locked, allowing the flexible prosthesis to be introduced in a compact form while maintaining the ability to spread out and attach properly to the abdominal wall

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The prosthesis incorporates dynamic elements that allow it to transition from a flexible, introducible state to a rigid, stable state after implantation, enabling it to resist folding and twisting under abdominal pressure while maintaining adaptability to the abdominal wall contours

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If conventional suture threads under tension are used to attach the prosthesis, then the prosthesis can be secured to the abdominal wall, but this causes pain to the patient and creates high tension that risks tearing muscles and aponeuroses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment security of prosthesisVSAvoidpain and tissue tearing risk from high tension

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Self-tapping screws or anchoring elements serve as intermediaries between the prosthesis and the abdominal wall, distributing the attachment forces across multiple anchor points and reducing the tension on any single point, thereby minimizing pain and tissue tearing risk while maintaining secure attachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The conventional suture thread mechanism is replaced with a screw-based or anchor-based mechanical fastening system that provides more controlled and distributed force application, reducing the harmful effects of concentrated tension on muscles and aponeuroses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the prosthesis is made flat and rigid to maintain shape, then it can resist abdominal pressure, but it does not fit correctly to the convexity of the peritoneal sac and viscera

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshape stability of prosthesisVSAvoidfit to peritoneal sac and viscera convexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The prosthesis incorporates regions of different rigidity and flexibility, with rigid struts providing structural stability and support, while flexible connecting elements allowing adaptation to the convexity of the peritoneal sac and viscera, achieving both shape stability and anatomical conformity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Productivity

If a complex stapling device is used to attach the prosthesis, then the attachment can be performed, but the positioning of staples is carried out without direct visual control, making it impossible to ensure that no small intestine loop or fat fold is interposed between the prosthesis and the abdominal wall

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment speed of prosthesisVSAvoidvisual control of attachment positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The self-tapping screws or anchoring elements serve as visible intermediaries that allow direct visual control during attachment, enabling the surgeon to confirm proper positioning and ensure no intestine or fat is interposed, while still achieving efficient attachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8388693B2Surgical fastener for attaching a hernia prosthesis

Publication Date: 2013.03.05 SOFRADIM PRODUCTION SAS

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a surgical fastener for attaching a prosthesis intended to repair a hernial defect of the abdominal wall, the prosthesis has at least two layers made of a biocompatible flexible material joined together at least one assembly zone, so as to define an internal space delimited by a substantially circular peripheral contour. The internal space is accessible to said surgical fastener that includes at least one body forming a reinforcing section that includes an open ring intended to extend substantially along at least one part of the substantially circular substantially circular peripheral contour. The open ring is connected to an attachment arm that extends substantially radially towards the inside and is intended to be anchored in the abdominal wall.