Perianal Support Device with Flexible Side Supports for Anatomical Conformity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing perianal support devices fail to effectively conform to the patient's anatomy, leading to loss of contact and inadequate compression, which can prolong labor duration, increase the risk of Cesarean childbirth, and cause perianal tissue damage during childbirth.
Innovation Solution
A perianal support device with a central support element and flexible compression elements that conform to the patient's buttocks, providing continuous compression and secure attachment through hook and loop fasteners, enhancing the secondary labor force and reducing the risk of perianal tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid perianal support devices are used, then stable support for perianal tissues is provided, but the device cannot conform to patient anatomy causing loss of contact and inadequate compression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible compression elements made of resilient material that can deform and conform to the contours of the patient's buttocks while maintaining continuous contact. These flexible elements replace rigid structures, allowing the device to adapt to individual anatomical variations while preserving the essential support function through elastic deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic flexibility where the compression elements can move and adjust their shape in response to patient movement and anatomical contours. The resilient material allows the device to transition between different contact states, maintaining optimal compression and support throughout the labor process despite changes in patient position or anatomy.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If perianal support devices are used, then perianal tissue damage is prevented, but labor duration may be prolonged without effective compression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the compression parameters by adjusting the resilience, flexibility, and contact pressure of the compression elements. These parameter changes ensure sufficient compression force to protect perianal tissues while allowing the device to adapt to the dynamic forces of labor without excessive rigidity that would prolong delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible compression elements provide continuous, adaptable contact with perianal tissues throughout labor, maintaining protective compression without the rigidity that would cause tissue damage or interfere with the natural progression of childbirth.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible compression elements are used, then anatomical conformity is achieved, but device complexity increases with multiple attachment components
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a rigid central support element for structural integrity and flexible compression elements for anatomical conformity. Each segment has a specialized function, and the modular design allows for simplified attachment mechanisms where each compression element can be independently secured to anchor pads on the patient's buttocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces anchor pads as intermediary components that simplify the attachment process. The compression elements attach to these intermediate anchor pads, which are then secured to the patient's body, creating a straightforward multi-step attachment system that reduces overall device complexity while maintaining flexibility and conformity.
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 shortens the second stage of labor, reduces the need for Cesarean sections, and minimizes perianal tissue trauma by reinforcing the secondary labor force, even under epidural anesthesia, thereby promoting successful vaginal births.
Implementation Method 1
a first compression element comprising a first resilient, flexible member configured to follow a first contour of a first buttock of the patient
Implementation Method 2
a first surface comprising a first loop portion of a hook and loop fastener facing the first buttock of the patient
Data Source
AI summary
A perianal support device includes a central support element with an apex having a continuous contact surface along the apex to interface with a patient's perianal tissue. Compression elements extend laterally away from each apex side of the central support element. Each compression element may have a narrower proximal end to the central support element and a wider distal end, and be flexible to bend to the gluteal cleft anatomy. The surface of each compression element that faces the patient in use may be covered, at least partially, with a loop material on the wider distal end. Each compression element may also have the opposite surface covered, at least partially, with foam. The central support element and compression elements may be integrally formed. A gripping tab is also provided at a distal end of each compression element, providing an easy location for medical staff to grasp for placement and removal.