Flexible Cervical Gripping Tenaculum for Atraumatic Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tenaculums cause bleeding, trauma, and discomfort by puncturing cervical tissue during transcervical procedures, interfering with visualization, and prolonging procedure times.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a rotatable, scissor-like design featuring flexible, gel-filled silicone pads or silicone bands that grasp the cervix without puncturing, providing countertraction and stabilization, and allowing easy removal without tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single tooth tenaculum is used to stabilize the cervix, then secure attachment is achieved, but cervical trauma and bleeding occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid teeth with flexible members that can deform and conform to the cervical surface, distributing pressure evenly and preventing tissue puncture while maintaining secure attachment. The flexible members act as compliant interfaces between the device and delicate cervical tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the gripping surface from rigid to flexible, and introduces gel-filled compartments that can be inflated or deflated to adjust the gripping force. This allows the device to adapt to different cervical sizes and textures without causing trauma.
2Ease of operation
If traction is applied to the tenaculum to reduce the cervico-uterine angle, then access to the uterus is improved, but tissue tearing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible members can stretch and deform under traction forces, allowing the cervix to be pulled into position without tearing the tissue. The flexibility absorbs the mechanical stress that would otherwise be transmitted directly to the cervical stroma.
Solution Approach 2:
The gel-filled compartments act as cushioning elements that protect the cervical tissue from concentrated forces. The gel material distributes traction forces over a larger area and absorbs shock, preventing tissue tearing during manipulation.
3Reliability
If traditional tenaculums are used to provide countertraction, then stabilization is achieved, but visualization of the operative field is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the stabilization function from the visualization path. The flexible members and gel-filled compartments are positioned to stabilize the cervix without protruding into the operative field, allowing clear visualization while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible, low-profile design of the gripping members allows them to conform to the cervical surface without creating bulky structures that would obstruct the surgeon's view of the operative field.
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 stabilizes the cervix effectively during procedures like IUD insertion, endometrial biopsy, and hysteroscopy, reducing bleeding, trauma, and procedure duration while maintaining clear visualization.
Implementation Method 1
at least one flexible member disposed at the distal end of the main body
Implementation Method 2
flexible, gel-filled silicone pads or silicone bands that grasp the cervix
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device used for grasping a body tissue has a main body having a first arm rotatably connected to a second arm at a pivot point. The main body has a proximal end and a distal end. A handle portion and a locking portion are disposed at the proximal end of the main body. A gripping portion including at least one flexible member is disposed at a distal end of the main body. The at least one flexible member is one of a flexible silicone band and a first gel-filled silicone pad and a second gel-filled silicone pad.