Flexible Foreign Object Extractor with Adhesive Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical instruments for removing objects from the body, such as forceps, can be traumatic to tissues due to their rigidity and may not securely grip irregularly shaped or frangible objects, especially when relying solely on vacuum pressure.
Innovation Solution
A pliable foreign object extractor with a flared, adhesive-coated distal end that forms a substantially permanent bond with the object using pneumatic suction, allowing secure extraction without sliding past the object and suitable for various shapes and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If forceps are used to extract foreign objects, then extraction capability is achieved, but tissue trauma increases due to rigidity and hardness
Solution Approach 1:
The extractor body is made of flexible material that allows it to conform to tissue contours during insertion and extraction, reducing mechanical trauma to surrounding tissues while maintaining the ability to securely grasp foreign objects
Solution Approach 2:
The extractor changes its physical state from a compressed delivery configuration to an expanded operational configuration, allowing it to adapt to different tissue environments and provide gentle tissue interaction while maintaining extraction effectiveness
2Object-affected harmful factors
If vacuum pressure alone is used to grip foreign objects, then gentle tissue interaction is achieved, but grip reliability decreases for irregularly shaped or hollow objects
Solution Approach 1:
The extractor combines multiple gripping mechanisms: vacuum pressure application through the lumen, adhesive coating on the distal end surface, and mechanical expansion of the flexible body, creating a multi-modal retention system that reliably secures various object types
Solution Approach 2:
The distal end of the extractor incorporates adhesive material applied to the flexible body surface, creating a composite structure that combines the compliance of flexible material with the bonding capability of adhesive, enabling secure attachment to diverse foreign objects
3Object-affected harmful factors
If vacuum pressure is applied to frangible objects, then gentle gripping is achieved, but object fragmentation risk increases due to difficulty in controlling pressure amount
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive coating is pre-applied to the distal end of the extractor before use, creating a bonding interface that begins to engage the foreign object as soon as contact is made, providing immediate mechanical reinforcement that prevents fragmentation during the extraction process
4Strength
If metal or rigid plastic forceps are used, then structural strength is achieved, but tissue trauma and pain increase
Solution Approach 1:
The extractor body is constructed from flexible material that can bend and conform to anatomical structures, eliminating the rigid edges and corners of metal forceps that cause tissue trauma, while the material itself provides sufficient strength for extraction
Solution Approach 2:
The extractor transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can adapt its shape during insertion, navigation, and extraction, allowing it to navigate complex anatomical pathways without causing trauma while maintaining extraction capability
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 extractor provides a secure, non-releasable bond with foreign objects, reducing tissue trauma and effectively extracting objects without fragmenting them, even when vacuum pressure is unreliable, and is suitable for use in both hospital and portable settings.
Implementation Method 1
Pneumatic suction is applied through the lumen of the extractor and the suction serves to bring the foreign object into contact with the adhesive coated surface of the extractor
Implementation Method 2
A fast-curing adhesive is disposed on the exposed flared surface of the distal end... to form a substantially permanent and/or non-releasable bond between the distal end and the foreign body
Data Source
AI summary
The foreign object extractor has an elongated hollow tube with a central lumen through its entire length providing fluid connection between an engaging end and a vacuum source. The engaging end has a nominally round transverse cross-section and is shaped to engage a foreign object to be removed from the human body. The engaging end flares so as to expose the internal surface of the elongated hollow tube for engagement with the foreign object. An adhesive is disposed on the exposed internal flared surface of the distal end. Pneumatic suction is applied through the lumen of the extractor and the suction serves to bring the foreign object into contact with the adhesive coated surface of the extractor to form a bond between the extractor and the object to be extracted.