Cervical Stabilization Device Uterine Weight Distribution

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Incontinent cervix conditions lead to premature births and complications during pregnancy, as existing treatments like cerclage procedures are invasive and can further compromise the cervix, necessitating a non-invasive method to stabilize the cervix and prevent preterm delivery.

Innovation Solution

A cervical stabilization device with a uterine support shoulder and inflatable bladder portions that gently surround the cervix without engaging it, providing support to the vaginal wall and uterus to distribute the weight of the fetus, thereby reducing strain on the cervix and preventing premature birth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cerclage procedure is used to suture the cervix closed, then the cervix is stabilized to prevent opening, but the cervix is further compromised and future pregnancies are made more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecervical stabilityVSAvoidcervix compromise

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device introduces an intermediary structure (support shoulder and nesting area) that indirectly stabilizes the cervix by supporting the uterus and distributing fetal weight, rather than directly suturing or engaging the cervix. This mediator approach prevents direct trauma to the cervix while achieving stabilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical suturing system (cerclage) with a weight-distribution system consisting of a support shoulder and nesting area that cradles the cervix and distributes fetal weight away from the cervix, eliminating the need for invasive mechanical attachment to the cervix itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If cerclage procedure is performed, then cervical support is provided, but instantaneous premature birth event is associated with the procedure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecervical supportVSAvoidpremature birth risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device is inserted and positioned in advance to provide gradual cervical support and uterine weight distribution before pregnancy progresses to critical stages, allowing the cervix to remain stable without sudden mechanical intervention that could trigger premature birth events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If bed rest is required for extended period, then cervical strain is reduced, but patient mobility and quality of life are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecervical strain reductionVSAvoidpatient mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs the support function autonomously within the vagina, eliminating the need for external behavioral restrictions like bed rest. The mechanical support structure self-regulates fetal weight distribution, allowing patients to maintain normal mobility while receiving continuous cervical protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Object-affected harmful factors

If non-invasive method is used to stabilize cervix, then future pregnancies are not compromised, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuture pregnancy impactVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into distinct functional components: a support shoulder for uterine weight bearing, a nesting area for cervical cradling, and engagement portions for vaginal wall anchoring. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall simplicity and non-invasiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 device effectively stabilizes the cervix, reducing the risk of preterm delivery and allowing for a more natural delivery process, with the ability to be easily removed and replaced as the pregnancy progresses, maintaining support for an extended period without surgical intervention.

Implementation Method 1

the bladder portions may be inserted in a deflated state and inflated after insertion to engage the vaginal wall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInflation: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS8550088B1Cervical stabilization device

Publication Date: 2013.10.08 VIATECHMD LLC

AI summary

A system and method for stabilizing an incontinent cervix during pregnancy are described. A system may include a nesting portion designed to surround the cervix without applying pressure to the cervix, while supporting the uterus in opposition to the weight of the developing fetus to prevent untimely effacement and dilatation of the cervix; thereby reducing the risk of premature birth and its consequence.