Dual Anchoring Device for Postpartum IUD Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Postpartum insertion of intrauterine devices (IUDs) is associated with unacceptably high expulsion rates, which has limited their general use due to the soft uterine tissue post-delivery, making it difficult to retain the device effectively.
Innovation Solution
A biodegradable suture is used to temporarily attach the anchoring device to the serosal layer of the uterus, providing initial retention during the involution process, allowing the permanent anchor to secure the IUD/IUS as the uterus regains density, and enabling easy removal when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an IUD is inserted immediately postpartum, then contraception can be provided at a convenient time when the woman is in contact with medical services, but the expulsion rate becomes unacceptably high due to soft uterine tissue
Solution Approach 1:
An anchoring device is inserted into the uterine fundus before the IUD, creating a secure attachment point in advance. This preliminary anchoring allows the IUD to be reliably retained even when inserted immediately postpartum when the uterus is still soft and contracted.
Solution Approach 2:
An anchoring device acts as an intermediary between the soft uterine tissue and the IUD. The anchor provides a firm attachment point that mediates the connection, allowing the IUD to be securely held in place despite the surrounding soft tissue conditions.
2Reliability
If an anchoring system is used to reduce expulsion rate, then retention is improved, but removal of the IUD becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate components: an anchoring device that remains in the uterine fundus and an IUD that can be removed. The anchor stays embedded in the tissue providing continuous retention, while the IUD can be detached and removed independently when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the anchor and IUD is designed to be dynamic and changeable. During insertion, the IUD is attached to the anchor for secure retention. When removal is needed, the connection can be easily detached, allowing the IUD to be removed without extracting the anchor.
Data Source
Figure 1~7
AI summary
The invention relates to an anchoring means specifically for the retention of bioactive substances in the immediate post- Cesarean section uterus for contraception. The invention consists of a dual anchoring means, preferably a permanent anchoring knot, provided with a noose, for insertion in the top of the uterus with an inserter, and which is kept in place during the involution phase of the uterus by a supplementary means of temporary fixation, to overcome the risk of IUD/IUS dislodgment from the soft uterine wall, consisting of a biodegradable suture, consolidated with the permanent anchoring knot, for its temporary fixation to the serosa of the uterus, and which anchoring knot can be easily removed from the uterus at any time after its insertion in the uterine wall and fixation to the serosa due to the fast biodegrading time of the suture.