Adjustable Vaginal Splint with Interchangeable Apical Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vaginal splints for pelvic organ prolapse are not adjustable to fit different-sized patients, leading to inefficiencies and higher costs due to the need for multiple sizes, and traditional surgical methods have high failure rates and require specialized expertise.
Innovation Solution
A vaginal splint assembly with interchangeable apical sections of varying sizes and an inflatable member made of polyurethane, polyester, or silicone, which can be coupled to a base portion for secure fit and expanded to provide comprehensive support within the vagina.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sizes of vaginal splints are provided to fit different patients, then patient fit and support effectiveness are improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vaginal splint is divided into a base portion and interchangeable apical sections, where the apical sections can be selectively coupled to the base portion. This segmentation allows the splint to be customized to different patient sizes by combining the base portion with different apical sections, thereby achieving adaptability without requiring completely different splint designs for each patient size.
Solution Approach 2:
The splint design incorporates dynamic adjustability through the coupling mechanism between the base portion and apical sections. The splint can be configured differently based on patient needs, transitioning from a static single-size design to a dynamic multi-configuration system that adapts to individual anatomical requirements.
2Reliability
If traditional surgical procedures are used to repair pelvic organ prolapse, then structural support is provided, but surgical complexity and failure rates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the support function from complex surgical procedures and implements it through a simpler self-contained splint device. The splint provides structural support directly without requiring complex abdominal, vaginal, or laparoscopic procedures, thereby reducing surgical complexity while maintaining support effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The vaginal splint is designed as a disposable device that can be easily inserted and removed without requiring complex surgical techniques. This approach replaces expensive, complex surgical procedures with a simpler, single-use device that provides the necessary support function.
3Reliability
If traditional surgical procedures are used to repair pelvic organ prolapse, then prolapse repair is achieved, but specialized expertise and availability are required
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable splint device simplifies the repair process and eliminates the need for specialized surgical expertise. The device can be inserted and removed by less specialized practitioners, making the procedure more accessible and easier to perform while maintaining effective prolapse repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The splint device is designed to be self-contained and self-sufficient, providing the necessary support function without requiring complex surgical techniques or specialized expertise. The device essentially performs the repair function itself rather than requiring complex surgical intervention.
4Strength
If prosthetic materials are used to support vaginal wall, then structural support is provided, but material compatibility and success rates vary
Solution Approach 1:
The splint is designed to contact and support specific areas of the vaginal wall locally, providing targeted support where needed rather than relying on broad prosthetic material integration. This localized approach improves reliability by focusing support on critical areas without depending on the variable success rates of different prosthetic materials.
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 adjustable splint assembly effectively fits individual vaginal sizes, reduces the need for multiple sizes, lowers surgical complexity, and enhances support and healing by maintaining position without sutures, thus reducing recurrence and morbidity.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable member made of polyurethane, polyester, or silicone, which can be coupled to a base portion for secure fit and expanded to provide comprehensive support within the vagina
Data Source
AI summary
Vaginal splint assemblies and methods for their use for treating various pelvic floor conditions are provided. One embodiment of a vaginal splint assembly includes a base portion having a connecting portion and first and second sides extending outwardly from first and seconds ends of the connecting portion to first and second free ends respectively. It further includes a plurality of apical sections each of a different size and each having a connecting portion and first and second sides extending outwardly from first and second ends of the connecting portion to first and second free ends respectively, and at least first and second coupling elements. The first coupling element is capable of securing the first free end of the base portion to the first free end of any one of the plurality of apical sections, and the second coupling element is capable of securing the second free end of the base portion to the second free end of the one apical section.