Treated Inner Edge Medical Implant for Pelvic Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical implants for pelvic organ prolapse, such as Y-shaped implants used in sacrocolpopexy procedures, face challenges in providing long-term effective support and stability within the body, particularly in preventing fraying, splitting, or tearing of the implant material when subjected to body forces.
Innovation Solution
A medical device comprising an elongate member with a treated inner edge, which can be heated, cauterized, or coated to enhance strength, and coupled with flexible tail members for attachment to vaginal and sacral tissues, providing radial support and minimizing tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the implant material is made flexible to adapt to body movements, then adaptability is improved, but strength and resistance to tearing are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The implant has different properties in different regions: the inner edge is treated to be stronger and more resistant to tearing, while the rest of the material remains flexible. This is achieved through localized treatment methods such as heat treatment, coating, or reinforcement applied specifically to the inner edge or high-stress areas, resolving the contradiction between overall flexibility and localized strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant uses composite construction with multiple layers or materials: a base flexible material providing adaptability, and a treated or reinforced layer (such as a coating, laminate, or treated edge) providing enhanced strength and tear resistance. This composite structure allows the implant to simultaneously achieve flexibility for body movement adaptation and strength for preventing tearing.
2Reliability
If the implant is made more durable to prevent fraying and splitting, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The inner edge treatment is performed during the manufacturing process as a preliminary step before implantation. Methods such as heat sealing, coating application, or edge reinforcement are applied during fabrication to pre-strengthen the implant edges, ensuring durability without requiring complex post-manufacturing operations or special handling procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical reinforcement methods (such as stitching or mechanical fasteners) are replaced with more efficient treatment methods such as heat treatment, chemical coating, or ultrasonic sealing. These alternative methods achieve edge strengthening more efficiently during manufacturing, improving reliability while maintaining ease of manufacture by eliminating complex mechanical assembly steps.
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
The treated inner edge of the elongate member enhances the implant's durability and stability, preventing tearing while allowing for flexible adaptation to body movements, thus providing effective long-term support for pelvic organs without causing tissue damage.
Implementation Method 1
The inner edge may be heated, melted, or cauterized using a laser or any other heating source.
Implementation Method 2
The inner edge may be heated, melted, or cauterized using a laser or any other heating source.
Implementation Method 3
The inner edge may be heated, melted, or cauterized using a laser or any other heating source.
Implementation Method 4
The inner edge may be heated, melted, or cauterized using a laser or any other heating source.
Implementation Method 5
The additive may include an adhesive or other type of strengthening coating or material that may be applied to the inner edge.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a medical device is a bodily implant and includes an elongate member. The elongate member has an inner edge that defines an opening. At least a portion of the inner edge being treated.