Cervical Tenaculum Anchor for Stable Counter-Traction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical tenaculae hinder procedural efficiency due to the need for practitioners to manually hold multiple instruments and tools during gynecological procedures, obstructing the view and requiring counter-traction on the cervix, which can be cumbersome and limit effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A surgical tenaculum device comprising an applicator, a clamp with a clasp and tether, and an anchor that allows adjustable counter-traction by attaching to a speculum or skin, freeing the practitioner's hand and improving visibility by integrating with other surgical instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional surgical tenaculum is used to grasp and hold the cervix, then counter-traction can be applied to allow procedural access, but the practitioner must manually hold the instrument throughout the procedure, reducing efficiency and requiring multiple hands
Solution Approach 1:
The tenaculum device is designed to attach to itself or to the speculum, creating a self-sustaining counter-traction system that does not require continuous manual holding. The instrument grasps the cervix and anchors to the speculum or its own shaft, maintaining position autonomously throughout the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines the tenaculum function with attachment mechanisms that integrate into the existing speculum or instrument shaft, merging multiple functions (grasping, anchoring, and stabilization) into a single integrated system that eliminates the need for separate manual holding.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments and tools are inserted into the speculum during the procedure, then comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities are achieved, but the practitioner's view of the cervix is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the counter-traction function from the diagnostic/therapeutic instrument functions, allowing multiple tools to be introduced through the speculum while the tenaculum remains positioned on the cervix without interfering with the line of sight or requiring removal for repositioning.
3Ease of operation
If adjustable counter-traction is implemented by attaching to speculum or skin, then the practitioner's hand is freed and effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is designed to interface with multiple existing structures (speculum shaft, instrument shafts, or patient skin) using standardized attachment methods, allowing the same device to function across different procedural contexts without requiring multiple specialized components.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical device comprising: an applicator; a clamp comprising a clasp and a tether; and optionally an anchor.