Articulatable Obstetric Spatula for Atraumatic Fetal Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current obstetric instruments, such as forceps and spatulas, often result in complications during fetal extraction, including bruising, skin abrasions, and other injuries, with forceps being particularly aggressive and impractical in some cases, while spatulas are underutilized due to limited diffusion and complex learning curves.
Innovation Solution
An articulating obstetric spatula with a spoon and handle designed for atraumatic introduction and firm grip, featuring a concave internal face, external face with reliefs and grooves, and drainage holes, allowing for safe and quick instrumental fetal extraction during vaginal labor or cesarean sections, and capable of being assembled into forceps for enhanced traction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If forceps are used for fetal extraction, then traction capability is improved, but fetal injuries such as bruising, skin abrasions, and other traumatic effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The forceps instrument is divided into two separate spatulas that can function independently or be assembled together. Each spatula has a handle and spoon portion that can operate separately for propulsion, or be joined to form a articulated forceps configuration for traction, allowing selective application of force without always risking trauma
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument transitions from a static single-function design to a dynamic multi-function design. The two spatulas can be assembled or disassembled based on the clinical need, allowing the practitioner to switch between propulsion mode (separate spatulas) and traction mode (assembled forceps), adapting the mechanical action to minimize fetal injury while maintaining effectiveness
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional spatulas are used, then fetal trauma is reduced, but the instrument is underutilized due to limited diffusion and complex learning curves
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated spatula system serves multiple functions: each spatula can independently perform propulsion, and when assembled, forms forceps for traction. This multi-functionality increases the instrument's utility and diffusion potential, making it a versatile addition to obstetric practice that can address various delivery scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
Two separate spatulas are merged through an articulation mechanism to form a unified forceps instrument. This combining allows the practitioner to achieve the traction function of traditional forceps while maintaining the trauma-reducing benefits of spatula design, and the components can be separated for independent use
3Productivity
If conventional obstetric instruments are used, then extraction function is achieved, but cesarean section rates and litigation risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument changes the physical parameters of contact with the fetal head by using spatula spoons with optimized geometry and material properties. The spoons are designed with specific curvature, depth, and surface characteristics that distribute force more evenly across the fetal skull, reducing pressure points and minimizing trauma while maintaining effective extraction capability
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
Obstetric spatula comprising a handle (2) extending in a substantially longitudinal direction and a spoon (1) that is delimited by a free edge (10) and comprises a concave internal face (11) and an external face (12), the free edge of the spoon comprising a central extreme part (13) and two curved lateral parts (14, 15), the central extreme part extending in a substantially transverse direction, the internal face of the spoon being provided with at least one relief (16) extending between two grooves (17, 18), the relief comprising a proximal face (19) and a distal face (20), the distal face being oriented towards the free edge of the spoon, the proximal face being oriented towards the handle.