Elliptical Elastomeric Bowel Retainer with Gel Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bowel packing procedures during abdominal and pelvic surgeries are time-consuming, resource-intensive, and lead to post-operative complications due to the use of loose cotton sponges that can cause peritoneal inflammation and adhesion formation.
Innovation Solution
Development of elliptically-shaped devices made from elastomeric compounds with radial notches and varying thicknesses, designed to securely retain intestines within the abdominal cavity, reducing the need for frequent re-packing and minimizing tissue irritation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cotton sponges are used to pack the bowels, then the bowels can be displaced from the surgical site, but the packing procedure becomes time-consuming and requires frequent re-packing
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple flaps (first flap, second flap, third flap, fourth flap) that can be independently positioned and secured. This segmentation allows the device to conform to the bowel and maintain retention without requiring frequent re-packing, as each flap can be adjusted to maintain proper positioning throughout the surgical procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates flexible flaps that can dynamically adapt to bowel movement and surgical manipulation. The flaps are designed to be flexible enough to accommodate bowel displacement while maintaining sufficient tension to keep the bowel packed, eliminating the need for rigid structures that would require frequent adjustment.
2Reliability
If cotton sponges are used for bowel packing, then the bowels can be retained, but the sponges can be forgotten in the abdominal cavity and cause peritoneal inflammation
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed as a disposable item that is removed at the conclusion of the surgical procedure. This eliminates the risk of retained sponges causing peritoneal inflammation, as the device is intentionally designed to be discarded rather than left in the body. The disposable nature ensures complete removal and prevents long-term complications.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is extracted from the abdominal cavity at the end of the surgical procedure, ensuring that no foreign material is left behind. This extraction process prevents peritoneal inflammation and adhesion formation that would otherwise result from retained cotton sponge fibers.
3Ease of operation
If cotton sponges are used to pack the bowels, then the surgical site can be exposed, but the sponges dry out and become abrasive and adhesive to the bowels
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a gel coating that changes the physical parameters of the surface in contact with the bowel. This gel coating prevents drying, maintains moisture, and eliminates the abrasive and adhesive properties of dry cotton sponges. The gel layer remains lubricated throughout the procedure, preventing adhesion formation while maintaining effective bowel packing.
4Reliability
If multiple cotton sponges are used for bowel packing, then adequate bowel displacement can be achieved, but the procedure becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges multiple functions into a single integrated unit. Instead of using multiple separate cotton sponges that must be individually positioned and secured, the device combines the packing, retention, and exposure functions in one unified structure with multiple flaps that work together as a coordinated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The device serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it packs the bowel, maintains displacement, provides surgical site exposure, and prevents adhesion formation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate packing materials and simplifies the overall procedure while achieving reliable bowel displacement.
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 devices significantly reduce bowel packing time, minimize post-operative morbidity by preventing adhesion formation, and maintain intra-abdominal temperature and moisture, while being easy to insert and remove.
Implementation Method 1
the device is composed of material comprising an elastomeric compound
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a device for bowel packing having an essentially elliptical shape that is essentially symmetrical along a minor axis of the ellipse, and the device includes a notch located on the minor axis below the major axis. The device is composed of material comprising an elastomeric polymer and the device is appropriately sized for retaining the intestines of a mammal. The invention further provides methods of use of the devices of the invention for bowel packing. The invention further provides methods for increasing bowel packing speed, increasing effectiveness of bowel retention, decreasing the formation of post-operative intraperitoneal adhesions, and increasing temperature of the abdominal cavity during surgery by use of the device.