Cervical Stabilization Device with Flexural Moment Center
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for an incontinent cervix, such as cerclage, are invasive, compromise the cervix, and often lead to premature birth, necessitating a non-invasive method to stabilize the cervix during pregnancy and reduce the risk of miscarriage and premature delivery.
Innovation Solution
A cervical stabilization device comprising a cervical cup and bladder portions that surround the cervix without engaging its outer surface, using a flexural moment center to adjust positioning and inflate the bladder portions to distribute pressure to the vaginal wall, thereby reducing strain on the cervix.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cerclage procedure is used to stabilize the cervix, then the cervix is sutured closed to prevent opening, but the cervix is compromised and future pregnancies become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cervical support device as an intermediary mechanism between the cervix and the uterus. The device includes a cervical support portion that contacts the cervix and a uterine support portion that contacts the uterus, with a connection element linking them. This intermediary structure provides cervical stability without directly suturing or compromising the cervix tissue, allowing the cervix to remain intact for future pregnancies.
Solution Approach 2:
The cervical support device is segmented into distinct functional components: a cervical support portion, a connection element, and a uterine support portion. This segmentation allows the device to distribute forces away from the cervix while providing stability, avoiding the need for invasive cerclage procedures that would compromise cervical integrity.
2Reliability
If cerclage procedure is performed to prevent cervical opening, then cervical stability is improved, but instantaneous premature birth event is associated with the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The cervical support device is installed in advance during pregnancy to provide continuous support before any premature birth event could occur. By establishing stability proactively through the segmented support structure rather than reactively through cerclage, the device reduces the risk of instantaneous premature birth associated with the suturing procedure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If non-invasive method is used to stabilize the cervix, then cervical integrity is preserved, but the device must effectively distribute fetal weight to the vaginal wall
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies local quality by concentrating support at specific anatomical locations: the cervical support portion contacts the cervix locally, the connection element transfers forces locally, and the uterine support portion distributes weight locally to the vaginal wall. This localized support approach preserves cervical integrity while managing fetal weight through a relatively simple segmented structure rather than a complex distributed system.
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 provides non-surgical, anesthetic-free stabilization of the cervix, reducing the risk of premature birth and allowing for natural delivery by distributing the weight of the fetus to the vaginal wall, thus alleviating strain on the cervix.
Implementation Method 1
inflate the bladder portions to distribute pressure to the vaginal wall, thereby reducing strain on the cervix
Implementation Method 2
The cervical cup and core portion may be fluidly coupled by a flexural moment center configured to allow the cervical cup to flex relative to the core portion
Data Source
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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.