C-Shaped Suction Module for Atraumatic Cervix Grasping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gynecological procedures for grasping and manipulating the cervix, such as IUCD insertion and hysteroscopy, often involve painful and traumatic methods like the tenaculum, which can cause bleeding and iatrogenic lesions, and existing alternatives like suction devices with narrow tunnels restrict access and dilation, while visibility issues during procedures are also a challenge.
Innovation Solution
A gynecological suction module with a hollow rod and a suction chamber featuring a C-shaped edge and a concave wall, allowing for negative pressure grasping without piercing, enabling unobstructed access and dilation, and an inclined or curved rod for improved visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If tenaculum with sharp inward-pointing hooks is used to grasp the cervix, then grasping effectiveness is improved, but patient discomfort and risk of trauma increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hook-based grasping system with a suction-based system. The suction chamber creates negative pressure to hold the cervix, eliminating the need for sharp hooks that cause trauma. This substitution of mechanical grasping with pneumatic suction resolves the contradiction by maintaining grasping effectiveness while removing harmful piercing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic principles through the suction chamber connected to a vacuum source. By creating negative pressure within the chamber, the system achieves secure cervix grasping without mechanical contact that causes discomfort. The pneumatic approach allows effective holding while avoiding the trauma associated with traditional mechanical tenaculum.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If suction device with closed suction part is used to grasp the cervix, then patient comfort is improved, but access for instruments is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The suction chamber is designed with an open C-shaped structure rather than a closed form. This segmentation of the chamber wall creates an open passage that allows instruments to pass through while the suction chamber remains engaged with the cervix. The open design separates the grasping function from the access requirement, resolving the contradiction between comfort and instrument accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The C-shaped configuration of the suction chamber creates an asymmetric structure with an intentional opening. This asymmetric design provides a clear path for instrument insertion and manipulation while maintaining the suction grip on the cervix. The asymmetry allows differential functionality: the closed portions maintain suction while the open portion enables access.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed central tunnel diameter is used in suction device, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but cervix dilation capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow rod is designed to be flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to bend and adapt to the natural curvature of the cervical canal. This dynamic property enables the rod to follow the anatomical path during dilation while maintaining structural integrity. The flexibility provides adaptability to different cervical configurations without requiring multiple fixed-diameter devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for variation in the dimensions and curvature of the hollow rod to accommodate different cervical sizes and shapes. By changing the geometric parameters of the rod (diameter, length, curvature radius), the device can be adapted to various clinical scenarios while maintaining the basic suction chamber design for grasping.
4Ease of manufacture
If straight rod is used in suction module, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but visibility during procedure is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow rod incorporates curved or angled sections instead of a completely straight configuration. These curved portions are designed to follow the natural anatomical curvature of the cervical canal, improving the practitioner's line of sight to the uterine cavity while maintaining manufacturability. The curvature is optimized to enhance visibility without adding excessive complexity to the device.
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 suction module provides atraumatic, effective cervix grasping and dilation, allowing for unobstructed access to the uterine cavity while minimizing discomfort and risk of trauma, and enhances visibility for practitioners during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The suction chamber (10) is configured to engage the surface of the vaginal portion of a cervix... allowing for negative pressure grasping without piercing
Data Source
AI summary
A gynecological suction module (1) comprising a hollow rod (20) and a suction chamber (10) connected to the hollow rod by a hole (H) for fluid connection, the aforesaid suction chamber being configured to engage the surface of the vaginal portion of the cervix, the aforesaid suction chamber (10) being delimited by a concave wall W defined by an edge (P) having a C shape and comprising an external portion (P1), an internal portion (P2) and two end portions (P3, P3′), wherein said internal edge P2 is out of the plane defined by said external portion P1.