Cervical Support Ring and Anchoring Mechanism to Delay Preterm Labor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Preterm birth is a leading cause of newborn death and illness, with existing treatments like medications and cerclage being unsatisfactory in reducing the rate of spontaneous preterm birth, posing a significant financial burden on society.
Innovation Solution
A device is inserted into the vagina to surround the cervix, featuring an upper ring and anchoring mechanism to prevent cervical dilatation and labor, with components like needles, sutures, and elastic rings to anchor the device securely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If medications and hormones are used to prevent preterm birth, then preterm labor may be delayed, but the effectiveness is unsatisfactory and does not significantly reduce the rate of spontaneous preterm birth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mechanical intermediary device (cervical support device with upper ring and anchoring mechanism) that physically intervenes between the uterus and cervix to prevent dilatation and funneling, complementing or replacing pharmacological interventions with a mechanical mediator that directly addresses the structural cause of preterm birth
2Reliability
If cerclage (stitching the cervix) is performed, then cervical insufficiency may be addressed, but the procedure is invasive and has limitations in reducing spontaneous preterm birth
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the cervical support function into separate components: an upper ring that prevents dilatation and an anchoring mechanism that prevents funneling. This segmentation allows each component to address specific aspects of cervical insufficiency independently, reducing the need for complex combined procedures like cerclage
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from static cerclage (surgical stitching) to a dynamic mechanical system with an anchoring mechanism that can adapt to cervical changes. The anchoring components can engage or disengage as needed, providing flexible support without the permanence and invasiveness of surgical stitching
3Ease of operation
If pessaries are used to support the cervix, then some cervical support is provided, but the results are unsatisfactory in reducing preterm birth rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of traditional pessaries with additional anchoring mechanisms and an upper ring structure. This combination provides both the cervical support function of pessaries and the additional benefit of mechanical restraint against dilatation and funneling, achieving superior effectiveness
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 delays preterm labor by preventing cervical dilatation and funneling, potentially reducing the incidence of preterm birth and associated complications, thereby lowering healthcare costs and improving infant outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The upper ring is elastic. According to some embodiments of the invention, the upper ring includes a spring.
Implementation Method 2
the anchoring mechanism includes a needle. According to some embodiments of the invention, the anchoring mechanism includes a suturing needle.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for retarding birth, forming a lumen for surrounding a uterine cervix, the device including an upper ring for surrounding the uterine cervix, and an anchoring mechanism for anchoring the device on the cervix. A tool for inserting a device for retarding birth, the device including a device lumen for surrounding a uterine cervix, the tool including a plurality of rods attached to two rings, forming a longitudinal tool lumen, each rod including a connector for attaching to the device for retarding birth at a distal end of the rod, and a mechanism at a proximal end of the rod, for detaching the device for retarding birth at the distal end of the rod. Related apparatus and methods are also described.