Cervical Anchor and Curved Needle Suture System for Tissue Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tenaculum forceps used to stabilize the cervix during gynecologic procedures are invasive, expensive, and have labor-intensive sterilization processes, and existing alternatives do not adequately address the need for a minimally invasive and cost-effective solution.
Innovation Solution
A needle-thread-anchor system comprising a suture with a cervical anchor and a curved needle, where the needle is inserted through the cervix and the anchor is secured externally, providing counter traction to stabilize the cervix during surgical procedures, and can be easily manufactured and sterilized for reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tenaculum forceps are used to stabilize the cervix, then the cervix can be held and retracted steadily, but the device uses a lot of space and is expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The forceps are divided into two separate components: a needle for inserting the suture into the cervix and an anchor that remains outside to provide stabilization. This segmentation allows the stabilization function to be achieved without requiring a large, space-consuming traditional forceps structure inside the vaginal canal.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing function is extracted from the internal forceps structure and relocated to an external anchor that remains outside the body. The needle only serves to deliver the suture, while the anchor provides the stabilization, thereby reducing the space required inside the vaginal canal.
2Reliability
If tenaculum forceps are used to stabilize the cervix, then the cervix can be held and retracted steadily, but the sterilization process is labor intensive, expensive and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The needle and suture components are designed as disposable single-use items that are discarded after one use, eliminating the need for complex sterilization processes. Only the durable anchor outside the body requires sterilization, which can be done once and reused, significantly reducing the time and labor required for sterilization compared to traditional forceps.
3Reliability
If traditional forceps are used, then the cervix can be stabilized, but incorrect instruments can cause severe tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
A suture acts as an intermediary between the needle and the cervix tissue. Instead of using sharp forceps jaws that can easily cause tissue damage, the suture provides a gentle, distributed holding force that secures the cervix without concentrating stress on small areas, thereby reducing the risk of tissue damage.
4Ease of manufacture
If a needle-thread-anchor system is used instead of forceps, then the device saves space and is more economical, but a new system must be developed and implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The needle-thread-anchor system uses universal surgical components (curved needle, suture material, anchor) that are familiar to surgeons from other surgical procedures. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to be implemented using existing surgical skills and knowledge, reducing the learning curve despite the novel application.
Data Source
AI summary
A cervical retraction system includes a suture having a first end and a second end, a cervical anchor secured to the first end of the suture and a curved needle secured to the second end of the suture. A method of retracting a cervix includes providing the cervical retraction system, inserting the curved needle through tissue of a cervix of a patient, advancing the needle along a trajectory of a curve of the needle until it emerges through an external os of the cervix and applying counter tension by pulling the needle out through the external os.