Umbrella Anchoring Traction Element for Surgical Prosthesis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical devices for urethral support in treating urinary incontinence are expensive, require complex training, and involve significant risks due to their cage system design, which is difficult to deploy and secure correctly.

Innovation Solution

A surgical device comprising a flexible, non-extensible support element and traction elements made from organic polymers like polypropylene, which can be easily adapted and secured using a simple anchoring system that deploys like an umbrella, providing a secure attachment without the need for complex positioning or hospitalization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a cage system is used for anchoring, then secure attachment is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidcage system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential anchoring function from the complex cage system, replacing it with a simple foldable traction element that can be deployed from a linear configuration into an expanded anchoring structure. This removes unnecessary complexity while retaining the secure attachment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The traction element is designed to be nested within itself in a folded state during insertion, then deployed outward to form the anchoring structure. This nested design allows the device to be inserted through small incisions while still providing a large surface area for secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If a cage system is used for anchoring, then secure attachment is achieved, but training requirements and operational difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoiddeployment difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The traction element transitions dynamically from a linear inserted state to an expanded anchoring state through controlled deployment. This dynamic transformation simplifies the insertion process while ensuring secure attachment, as the element automatically assumes its functional shape upon deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The traction element is pre-formed with fold lines and structural features that guide its automatic deployment into the correct anchoring configuration. This preliminary structuring eliminates the need for complex manual manipulation during surgery, reducing training requirements and operational difficulty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple parts are used in the device, then functionality is enhanced, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functional elements into a single integrated traction element. The element combines the anchoring structure, the deployment mechanism, and the attachment interface in one continuous piece, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The traction element is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the anchoring structure, the deployment mechanism, and the attachment interface. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of parts needed while maintaining enhanced functionality and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 device is cost-effective, minimally invasive, and allows for rapid, outpatient procedures with reduced risk of complications, ensuring secure anchoring without tearing tissues, facilitating easy adaptation for both male and female patients.

Implementation Method 1

said distal end being intended to constitute at least a first fixing or anchoring system activated by a traction exerted on the first traction element in particular at its proximal end; said fixing system provided at the distal end of the traction element comprises at least one fold, preferably several folds, of the traction element which, during a pulling action exerted on the traction element, is deformed or crushed in order to deploy by imitating an umbrella effect defining a sufficient surface for fixing or anchoring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUmbrella effect:

Data Source

PatentEP1800618B1Surgical prosthesis forming device used to implant an organ support in a mammal

Publication Date: 2009.06.24 EVERGIN SA

Figure 1~2C
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~11

AI summary

The device has a support element with an elongated shape element defining ends for exerting a support action of a biological organ e.g. urethra, of a mammal e.g. man. The elongated element is made of a flexible, deformable and non-extensible material e.g. polyethylene. A traction element (40) is integrated with one of the ends of the support element, via a proximal end (46) of the element (40). A distal end (44) of the element (40) constitutes an anchoring or fixation system activated by a traction exerted on the element (40) at the level of the end (46), after its insertion in a zone. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a traction element implemented with a surgical prosthesis forming device (2) an anchoring, fixation and support kit comprising a surgical prosthesis forming device.