Fetal Elevation Clasp Assembly for Umbilical Cord Prolapse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for managing umbilical cord prolapse during childbirth are inefficient, posing risks to the fetus and requiring manual elevation that can cause harm and are time-consuming, often leading to emergency caesarean sections with potential complications.
Innovation Solution
An obstetrician assistance device with a clasping assembly, handle arrangement, and rod system that securely holds and elevates the fetus's protruding part, using inflatable structures and a trigger mechanism to prevent umbilical cord pressure, allowing time for caesarean preparation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual elevation of the presenting part is performed, then the umbilical cord prolapse can be temporarily managed, but the procedure is time-consuming and carries risks of fetal harm and cord compression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system (doctor's hand) with an automated mechanical system (device with motor-driven rod). The device uses a motor to automatically elevate the rod, which in turn elevates the presenting part, eliminating the need for manual elevation and reducing time loss while maintaining safety through controlled, consistent mechanical action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a device as an intermediary between the doctor and the fetal presenting part. This intermediary device includes a rod that can be elevated to lift the presenting part, and a clamping mechanism to secure it, thereby mediating the elevation process to avoid direct manual contact and reduce risks of harm and time loss.
2Reliability
If manual elevation is performed, then the presenting part can be elevated off the cord, but the procedure is painful for the patient and lacks sufficient evidential support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the unproven manual mechanical system with a device-based mechanical system that provides controlled, consistent elevation. The motor-driven rod delivers precise mechanical force to elevate the presenting part without the variability and potential harm of manual techniques, providing a more reliable and evidence-based approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs the elevation function autonomously through its motor-driven mechanism, eliminating the need for the patient to endure manual manipulation. The self-contained device with integrated clamping and elevation mechanisms reduces patient discomfort and provides a more humane, evidence-based solution.
3Productivity
If emergency caesarean section is performed, then cord prolapse can be addressed, but the consequence may be a crippled baby
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by automatically elevating the presenting part before the caesarean section is completed. The device is activated during the surgical procedure to lift and secure the presenting part, preventing cord compression and fetal injury that might occur during the remaining steps of the caesarean delivery, thus enabling safe intervention without compromising the fetus.
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 facilitates safe, painless elevation of the fetus's protruding part, reducing the risk of cord compression and fetal harm, providing sufficient time for medical intervention, and avoiding manual maneuvers.
Implementation Method 1
The holding structure being adapted to inflate and deflate for securely holding and releasing the protruding part of the foetus
Data Source
AI summary
An obstetrician assistance device 100 is provided. The device includes a clasping assembly 102 comprising a holding structure 104 to hold a protruding part of a foetus, a base 106 to support the holding structure and a tube 108 connected to the base. The device also includes a rod 110 detachably connected to the base comprising a front-end portion 110a connected to the base and a rear-end portion 110b, a working element 112 disposed moveably inside the rod and a handle arrangement 114 operatively coupled with the clasping assembly via the rod. The handle arrangement includes a handle 116, a lock 118 disposed on the handle, a trigger 120 disposed inside the handle and connected to the working element via a connecting element 122. The working element is actuated by the trigger and elevate the protruding part of the foetus, thereby preventing pressure by the foetus on an umbilical cord.