Surgical Mesh Mapping for Hernia Repair Visibility

Solution Overview

Problem

During hernia repair surgeries, surgeons face challenges in identifying anatomical features behind a surgical mesh, which can lead to accidental tacking or stapling of nerves or blood vessels, resulting in pain and bleeding, due to the lack of visibility of these features during mesh affixation.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for mapping anatomical structures within a surgical site and printing these images onto a substrate, such as a mesh or starch-based paper, to provide visual guidance for surgeons, ensuring proper placement and avoiding critical areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the mesh is held in position and the surgeon observes through a laparoscope, then the mesh can be initially positioned, but the anatomical features behind the mesh remain invisible, increasing the risk of accidentally tacking nerves or blood vessels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemesh positioningVSAvoidvisibility of anatomical features

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by capturing images of the surgical site and anatomical features before the mesh is affixed. The images are processed and printed on the mesh substrate in advance, allowing the surgeon to view the anatomical features through the mesh during the procedure without risk of damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a visual copy of the anatomical features by capturing images with the imaging device and printing them on the mesh substrate. This copy allows the surgeon to observe anatomical structures through the transparent or translucent mesh without direct contact that could cause harm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If the surgeon proceeds with suturing or tacking the mesh to the cavity wall, then the mesh can be securely affixed, but the risk of damaging nerves or blood vessels increases due to lack of visibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemesh affixationVSAvoiddamage to nerves or blood vessels

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by capturing images of the surgical site and anatomical features before the mesh is affixed. The images are processed and printed on the mesh substrate in advance, allowing the surgeon to view the anatomical features through the mesh during the procedure without risk of damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The printed images on the mesh substrate serve as an intermediary that allows the surgeon to visualize anatomical features through the mesh during the affixation process. This intermediary visual guide enables safe suturing or tacking by providing real-time information about underlying structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If conventional techniques are used to affix the mesh, then the procedure can be completed, but the surgeon lacks awareness of proper suturing positions, leading to potential complications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical procedure completionVSAvoidsuturing position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by capturing images of the surgical site and anatomical features before the mesh is affixed. The images are processed and printed on the mesh substrate in advance, allowing the surgeon to view the anatomical features through the mesh during the procedure without risk of damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback to the surgeon by displaying printed images of anatomical features on the mesh substrate during the procedure. This visual feedback enables the surgeon to adjust suturing positions in real-time based on the displayed anatomical information, improving precision and reducing complications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9107570B2System and method for mapping anatomical structures and marking them on a substrate

Publication Date: 2015.08.18 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a method and system for mapping anatomical structures and marking them on an image to be printed on a substrate including the steps of inserting an imaging device into a surgical site, obtaining an image of a defect located in the surgical site from the imaging device, adjusting the image, transmitting the image to a printer, and printing the image on a substrate. The printed image may be a size directly proportional to the defect. The adjusting step may further include the steps of setting a minimum margin to be maintained between the perimeter of the defect and the perimeter of the substrate, selecting a shape and size of the substrate, and identifying at least one anatomical feature of the surgical site.