Cervical Pre-Cancer Applicator With Absorbent Tip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating cervical intraepithelial neoplasia are invasive, costly, and lack non-invasive, painless, and inexpensive procedures, particularly in developing countries, leading to inadequate treatment of low-grade lesions and increased risk of cervical cancer due to the impracticality and danger of using liquid acids for topical treatments.
Innovation Solution
Development of an applicator that stores and releases therapeutic agents, including chemexfoliants and soothing agents, with a tip designed to absorb and release the agent upon contact with the treatment area, minimizing risk of spillage and providing precise application, along with integrated light sources for tissue visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If liquid acid is applied using a cotton swab dipped in a vial, then the treatment can be applied to the cervix, but the risk of acid dripping onto surrounding normal tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized applicator device as an intermediary between the acid container and the cervix. This applicator includes a controlled delivery mechanism with a tip that can be precisely positioned on the cervical surface, allowing the acid to be applied through a controlled interface rather than direct manual application with a cotton swab, thereby reducing the risk of accidental dripping onto surrounding tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the simple mechanical system of a cotton swab dipped in a vial with a more sophisticated applicator device that incorporates controlled delivery mechanisms. This substitution enables precise control over acid application through the applicator's tip and delivery system, eliminating the need for manual dexterity and reducing the risk of harmful dripping.
2Device complexity
If a cotton swab is used for acid application, then the procedure is simple, but the precision and control over application location is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the applicator into distinct functional segments: a handle portion for manipulation, a shaft for positioning, and a specialized tip for application. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the tip providing precise contact with the cervix while the handle provides control, achieving both simplicity and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by designing the tip of the applicator with specific properties suited for cervical application, such as a pointed or conforming shape that can precisely contact the cervical surface. This localized optimization at the tip ensures precise acid delivery to the intended area while the rest of the applicator maintains simplicity for ease of use.
3Reliability
If strong acid is used for treatment, then the efficacy against pre-cancerous tissue is improved, but the risk of burn injury and tissue erosion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a protective barrier or cushioning mechanism within the applicator design that prevents direct contact between the strong acid and surrounding normal tissue. This could include a protective sheath or controlled release mechanism that ensures the acid is delivered only to the cervical surface, cushioning against the harmful effects of strong acid on adjacent tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator device serves as an intermediary that controls the interaction between the strong acid and the tissue. By mediating the delivery process through a controlled tip and positioning mechanism, the applicator ensures that the strong acid contacts only the pre-cancerous cervical tissue while protecting surrounding normal tissue from burn injuries and erosion.
4Ease of manufacture
If manual application with cotton swab is used, then the procedure can be performed with basic equipment, but the safety features to prevent spillage are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized applicator as an intermediary device that provides safety features against spillage. This applicator includes a controlled delivery mechanism with a tip that can be precisely positioned on the cervical surface, allowing the acid to be applied through a controlled interface rather than direct manual application with a cotton swab, thereby reducing the risk of accidental dripping onto surrounding tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the simple mechanical system of a cotton swab with a more sophisticated applicator device that incorporates controlled delivery mechanisms. This substitution enables precise control over acid application through the applicator's tip and delivery system, eliminating the need for manual dexterity and reducing the risk of harmful dripping.
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 applicator enables safe, precise, and effective topical treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia with reduced risk of damage to surrounding tissues, improving patient care and reducing the risk of cervical cancer, especially in resource-limited settings.
Implementation Method 1
a tip configured to absorb the therapeutic agent from the container and release the therapeutic agent in response to contact between the tip and the treatment area
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and apparatus for genital and anal pre-cancer treatment and the treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia are disclosed. One aspect includes an applicator for topically applying a therapeutic agent. The applicator includes a container to store the therapeutic agent. The applicator further includes an actuator configured to release the therapeutic agent from the container. The applicator further includes a tip configured to absorb the therapeutic agent released from the container, the tip further configured to release the therapeutic agent to a treatment area in response to contact between the tip and the treatment area. Another aspect includes an applicator for applying a film containing therapeutic material.