Capillary Uterine Fluid Collection Without Suction or Dilution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for collecting uterine fluid in vivo face challenges such as endometrial damage, limited sample volume, and dilution factors, making accurate quantification and characterization of uterine fluid components difficult.
Innovation Solution
A device designed for uterine fluid collection by capillarity, featuring a hollow cylindrical tube with a proximal and intermediate portion and a distal part, equipped with slots for fluid entry, allowing collection without suction and minimizing endometrial damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If aspiration or automatic vacuum source is used to collect uterine fluid, then collection volume is obtained, but endometrial damage occurs and fluid composition is altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical suction system (vacuum source, syringes, aspiration catheters) with a capillary-based collection system. The capillary channels in the device passively draw uterine fluid through surface tension and capillary pressure gradients, eliminating the need for active suction that causes endometrial trauma. This substitution maintains sufficient collection volume while preventing mechanical damage to the endometrium.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a capillary element with controlled porosity and specific surface properties that enable passive fluid uptake through capillary action. The porous structure allows uterine fluid to be drawn into collection channels without requiring external suction pressure, thereby avoiding endometrial damage while achieving adequate sample volume for analysis.
2Quantity of substance
If uterine lavage is used to collect uterine fluid, then fluid collection is achieved, but dilution occurs and quantitative characterization is precluded
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts pure uterine fluid directly from the uterine cavity through capillary channels without introducing external lavage fluids. By eliminating the lavage step and using passive capillary collection, the system obtains undiluted samples that preserve the original concentration and composition of uterine secretions, enabling accurate quantitative analysis of proteins, metabolites, and other constituents.
3Ease of operation
If embryo transfer cannulas or artificial insemination catheters are used, then fluid aspiration is performed, but sample volume is reduced and endometrial damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a flexible capillary element that can dynamically adapt its position and shape within the uterine cavity to maximize contact with the endometrial surface. This dynamic positioning allows the capillary channels to collect fluid from multiple locations simultaneously, increasing total sample volume while maintaining ease of insertion and removal through the catheter structure.
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
Enables the collection of a sufficient volume of pure uterine fluid without dilution, ensuring accurate quantification and minimizing endometrial trauma, suitable for use in embryonic culture media supplements and precision research.
Implementation Method 1
A device for collecting uterine fluid in vivo by capillarity, wherein said device comprises: a hollow cylindrical tube... said intermediate portion is characterised in that it further comprises at least one slot (6) with a length of at least 2 cm and a width less than or equal to 1 mm, which allow the uterine fluid to enter, by capillarity, from the outside to the inside of said intermediate portion (2)
Data Source
AI summary
A device for collecting uterine fluid is described which can be used in vivo in both animals and humans, without said use causing dilution of fluid components or damage to the endometrium.