Tissue Repair Patch Cuff Design for Hernia Placement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgically implanted patches for tissue repair, such as hernia patches, face challenges in accuracy and ease of delivery and placement, as well as providing adequate protection to surrounding tissues during procedures.

Innovation Solution

An implantable medical device with a tissue repair material having two sides and an outer perimeter, featuring a cuff formed from the entire outer perimeter to create a fixation area for joining with patient tissues, and a removable support member for ease of manipulation during implantation, allowing for secure attachment and protection of tissues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional hernia patches with slits and finger pockets are used, then the patch can be inserted through the defect, but the accuracy and ease of delivery and placement is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of delivery and placementVSAvoidaccuracy of placement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The cuff is pre-formed around the entire outer perimeter of the patch, creating a ready-made fixation structure that guides placement. The removable support member is pre-positioned within the cuff to maintain its shape during insertion, ensuring the patch is delivered in the correct configuration for accurate placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The removable support member acts as an intermediary tool that facilitates manipulation of the patch during implantation. It provides a grip point and structural support that makes the patch easier to handle and position accurately, then is removed after placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional patches without peripheral fixation structures are used, then the structure is simpler, but the ability to provide protection to surrounding tissues and secure fixation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fixationVSAvoidpatch structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cuff serves multiple functions: it provides fixation by overlapping onto the patch to create an extended fixation area, protects surrounding tissues during implantation, and serves as a structure to hold the removable support member. This multi-functionality achieves reliable fixation and tissue protection without requiring multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If patches without removable support structures are used, then the device is simpler, but the ease of manipulation during implant procedures is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manipulationVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is designed to be removed after serving its purpose during implantation. It is extracted from the cuff after the patch is positioned, leaving only the cuff and patch in place. This temporary addition provides enhanced manipulability during the procedure without permanently increasing the complexity of the implanted device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP2032073B2Ease of use tissue repair patch
Publication Date: 2017.06.07 WL GORE & ASSOC INC
  • EP2032073B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2032073B2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2032073B2 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

An implantable medical device is disclosed having a tissue repair material with two sides and an outer perimeter and a cuff formed from the outer perimeter to overlap onto a side of the tissue repair material. The device may be used with a removable support member.