Intrauterine Fallopian Tube Occlusion Device Using Segmented Barriers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current intrauterine devices (IUDs) face issues such as ectopic pregnancy, uterine infection, uterine perforation, and endometriosis, and existing methods of fallopian tube occlusion are invasive and not suitable for temporary contraception or endometriosis treatment.

Innovation Solution

A fallopian tube occlusion device with a resilient body and spherical orifice plugs that utilize the uterine cavity shape for proper positioning, made from shaped memory alloy metal, with tissue in-growth members and medication impregnation, allowing for nonsurgical, temporary or permanent occlusion and medication delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional IUDs are used for contraception, then contraceptive effect is achieved, but risk of ectopic pregnancy and uterine infection increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontraceptive effectVSAvoidectopic pregnancy risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the uterine cavity into separate compartments using partitions that extend from the fundus toward the cervix, creating distinct sections that prevent embryo migration to ectopic locations while maintaining contraceptive function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device introduces intermediary structures (partitions and barriers) within the uterine cavity that act as physical mediators to block and redirect embryo transport, preventing ectopic implantation while allowing controlled contraceptive action

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If surgical tubal ligation is performed to prevent ectopic pregnancy, then ectopic pregnancy risk is reduced, but invasiveness and recovery time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveectopic pregnancy riskVSAvoidsurgical invasiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the mechanical surgical cutting and stapling of tubal ligation with a non-invasive intrauterine device that uses physical barriers and partitions to achieve the same protective effect against ectopic pregnancy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If IUDs are used to prevent pregnancy, then contraceptive effect is achieved, but risk of uterine perforation and infection increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontraceptive effectVSAvoiduterine infection risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs flexible partitions and thin film barriers made from biocompatible materials that conform to the uterine cavity shape, reducing mechanical stress on the uterine wall and minimizing the risk of perforation and infection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The device applies different material properties and structural characteristics to different regions of the uterine cavity, with softer, more compliant materials near the uterine wall to reduce perforation risk while maintaining barrier function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 device effectively occludes fallopian tubes without surgery, reducing ectopic pregnancy risks and providing a treatment option for endometriosis, while being adaptable for contraception and medication delivery, making it more acceptable to a wider patient population.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient body having an elongated member with a first end and a second end. The elongated member further includes a first leg ending with the first end of the elongated member, a second leg ending with the second end of the elongated member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

made from shaped memory alloy metal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory alloy: Shape Memory Alloy

Data Source

PatentUS7621276B2Intrauterine fallopian tube occlusion device

Publication Date: 2009.11.24 SEBELA VLC LTD

AI summary

An occlusion device for actively occluding orifices of fallopian tubes includes a resilient body having an elongated member with a first end and a second end. The elongated member further includes a first leg ending with the first end of the elongated member, a second leg ending with the second end of the elongated member and a connection member positioned therebetween. A first orifice plug is secured at the first end of the elongated member and a second orifice plug is secured at the second end of the elongated member. The first and second orifice plugs are shaped and dimensioned to seat at the orifices of the fallopian tubes or within the fallopian tubes as the elongated member spreads outwardly with the first end and second end moving apart. A delivery device for delivery of medication or therapeutic agents to a uterine cavity is also disclosed.