Deformable Colpotomizer Cup for Minimally Invasive Uterine Manipulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing uterine manipulators face challenges in inserting and positioning the colpotomizer cup within the vaginal canal, especially in cases with small vaginal entryways or thinned tissue, often requiring surgical enlargement or risking tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
A deformable colpotomizer cup made of materials like polyurethane with a hardness of 85 Shore A to 100 Shore A, capable of reversible deformation from a nominal to a reduced width configuration for insertion, and back to nominal for positioning around the cervix, featuring viewing windows for optimal visibility and mechanical integrity during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid colpotomizer cup is used for uterine manipulation, then structural stability and positioning accuracy are improved, but insertion difficulty increases and tissue damage risk worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The colpotomizer cup is designed with dynamic properties, allowing it to change shape between a compressed insertion state and an expanded operational state. The cup transitions from a flexible, collapsible configuration during insertion to a rigid, stable configuration when engaged with the cervix, resolving the contradiction between ease of insertion and structural stability
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameters of the colpotomizer cup, particularly its rigidity and shape, are changed during the procedure. The cup starts in a flexible state for insertion, then transforms to a rigid state for stable positioning and manipulation, allowing both easy insertion and structural stability to be achieved at different stages
2Measurement precision
If a large-sized colpotomizer cup is used for optimal cervix engagement, then positioning accuracy is improved, but insertion difficulty increases in small vaginal entryways
Solution Approach 1:
The colpotomizer cup dynamically changes its size during the procedure. It is inserted in a compressed, small configuration that can pass through narrow vaginal entryways, then expands to a larger configuration that provides optimal engagement and positioning accuracy with the cervix
Solution Approach 2:
The colpotomizer cup can be compressed into a compact form that nests within itself or the delivery system, allowing the large-sized cup to be inserted through small entryways. Once inside, it expands to its full size for optimal positioning
3Productivity
If forceful insertion of the colpotomizer cup is applied to achieve proper positioning, then positioning speed is improved, but tissue damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible, dynamic nature of the colpotomizer cup allows it to conform to the vaginal canal and cervix as it is inserted, reducing resistance and the need for forceful insertion. The cup gradually transitions from a compressed to an expanded state, enabling smooth, controlled positioning without sudden force that could damage tissue
Solution Approach 2:
The physical properties of the cup, particularly its flexibility and shape, are changed to match the anatomical structures during insertion. The cup softens and conforms during insertion, then stabilizes in its final position, allowing rapid yet gentle positioning
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
Enables flexible adjustment and insertion without the need for surgical enlargement, maintaining mechanical integrity and providing clear visualization of the cervix, thus facilitating safer and more effective uterine manipulation during surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable colpotomizer cup made of materials like polyurethane with a hardness of 85 Shore A to 100 Shore A, capable of reversible deformation from a nominal to a reduced width configuration for insertion
Data Source
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AI summary
A uterine manipulator (100) includes a deformable colpotomizer cup (146) defining a receptacle sized to receive a cervix of a patient, wherein the deformable colpotomizer cup is adjustable from a nominal width configuration to a reduced width configuration for insertion of the colpotomizer cup into a vaginal canal of the patient, and wherein the deformable colpotomizer cup is adjustable from the reduced width configuration to the nominal width configuration for placement of the colpotomizer cup about the cervix.