Intrauterine Device with Articulating Array for Perforation Risk Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intrauterine medical devices face limitations in positioning and conforming to the uterus due to their rigid structures, which can lead to perforation risks and patient discomfort during procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of flexible intrauterine medical devices with soft articulating arrays that transition from a small insertion geometry to a larger installed geometry, reducing the risk of perforation and improving patient comfort by allowing for a smaller sheath diameter and increased surface contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid structure is used for intrauterine devices, then the device maintains structural strength, but the device cannot conform to the uterus and causes perforation risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible articulating array constructed from soft material with multiple expandable chambers instead of a rigid structure. This flexible array can conform to the uterine cavity shape while maintaining sufficient structural integrity through the coordinated expansion of chambers, eliminating the need for rigid components that cause perforation.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating array is divided into multiple independent expandable chambers that can be selectively inflated. This segmentation allows each chamber to independently adjust its volume and position, enabling the overall structure to adapt to the contours of the uterine cavity while maintaining distributed structural support.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid structure is used for intrauterine devices, then the device maintains structural stability, but the device cannot conform to the intended area inside the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating array transitions from a compressed low-profile state during insertion to an expanded conforming state within the uterus. The dynamic expansion of chambers allows the structure to adapt to the uterine cavity shape while maintaining stability during the procedure through controlled inflation of individual chambers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the articulating array from compressed to expanded by controlling fluid pressure in the chambers. This parameter change enables the array to transition between insertion and operational geometries, providing both adaptability and structural stability as needed.
3Strength
If a larger sheath diameter is used, then the device maintains robustness, but the ease of insertion decreases and patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating array maintains a compact low-profile configuration during insertion through compression of the expandable chambers, allowing passage through a small sheath diameter. Upon deployment, the chambers expand to provide the necessary structural robustness and articulation for the procedure, thus resolving the contradiction between insertion size and operational strength.
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 flexible articulating arrays enable more intimate contact with the uterine surface, reducing the risk of perforation and patient discomfort while maintaining the robustness and ease of insertion of the device.
Implementation Method 1
The articulating array can be articulated from an insertion geometry into an installed position by, for example, inflating a plurality of chambers within the articulating array
Implementation Method 2
a conductive array on a surface of the articulating array, wherein the conductive array is configured to ablate a uterine surface upon receiving input power
Implementation Method 3
a conductive array on a surface of the articulating array, wherein the conductive array is configured to ablate a uterine surface upon receiving input power
Data Source
AI summary
An intrauterine device includes an articulating array. The intrauterine device can be operated by articulating the articulating array into an installed position or geometry within the uterus of a patient. Further, the articulating array can be constructed to include an insertion geometry have a smaller cross section than an installation geometry. The articulating array can also be constructed to be housed within a sheath in the intrauterine device. Once the sheath has been inserted into a patient, for example through the patient's cervix, the articulating array can be deployed in its insertion geometry and then articulated into an installed position. The articulating array can include a plurality of expansion chambers. The expansion chambers can be constructed and arranged to take on the installed geometry when expanded. In one embodiment, the purpose of the articulating array is to position a conductive array within the patient's uterus enabling ablation of the uterine lining.