Embryo Delivery Tip With Concave Aperture And Hydrophobic Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing embryo delivery apparatuses in IVF procedures face issues where embryos can adhere to the needle tip and fail to be expelled effectively, leading to reduced implantation success due to fluid leakage and detachment from the endometrium.
Innovation Solution
A novel apparatus with a distal tip featuring a concave aperture and a double-beveled piercing portion, combined with a hydrophobic coating, ensures minimal fluid leakage and secure embryo expulsion by conforming to the egg's shape and maintaining contact during delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pressure is applied on the fluid in the needle tip to expel the embryo onto the endometrium, then the embryo can be delivered to the target location, but the embryo may adhere to the distal tip and remain attached even after fluid expulsion due to fluid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture is designed with a concave shape that conforms to the spherical form of the embryo, creating optimal contact between the aperture surface and the embryo. This curved geometry ensures that the embryo is properly positioned and contained within the aperture, preventing adhesion to the distal tip while maintaining secure delivery to the endometrium.
2Device complexity
If a standard aperture shape is used, then the apparatus structure is simple, but fluid may leak out and elude the embryo, causing the embryo to remain attached to the needle tip
Solution Approach 1:
The concave aperture shape is specifically designed to match the spherical geometry of the embryo, creating a cup-like structure that cradles the embryo securely. This curved configuration prevents fluid from leaking around the embryo while maintaining structural simplicity, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of fluid leakage without adding complex components.
3Ease of manufacture
If the aperture does not conform to the egg's shape, then manufacturing is easier, but the embryo may not remain securely with the apparatus during delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The concave aperture is shaped to conform to the spherical form of the embryo, creating natural contact points that secure the embryo during delivery. This geometric matching achieves reliable embryo retention through the inherent stability of the curved surface contact, while the aperture can still be manufactured using standard precision machining techniques without excessive complexity.
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
Enhances the likelihood of successful embryo implantation by preventing fluid leakage and ensuring the embryo remains with the apparatus until it is implanted in the uterine endometrium, thereby improving the IVF procedure's success rate.
Implementation Method 1
combined with a hydrophobic coating, ensures minimal fluid leakage
Data Source
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Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus suitable for delivering a fertilized egg or embryo into the maternal uterine endometrium. The apparatus comprises an elongated body comprising a distal tip and a lumen extending therethrough to an aperture at the distal tip. The lumen is configured to receive and expel the fertilized egg or embryo through the aperture. A plunger is configured to be slidably received in the lumen. The distal tip comprises a piercing portion for piercing the maternal uterine endometrium, and the aperture has a concave shape.