Disposable Furlow Insertion Device with Nested Obturator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing penile prosthesis insertion devices, such as Furlow insertion devices, face challenges in accurately and efficiently inserting penile prostheses into the corpus cavernosum, particularly in ensuring precise placement and secure anchoring, which can affect the longevity and functionality of the implant.

Innovation Solution

A disposable insertion device comprising an elongate member, a coupler, and an obturator, where the obturator is configured to move within the elongate member's lumen to engage and advance a needle for precise placement of the prosthesis, with engagement members to prevent removal and facilitate accurate positioning, and a coupler to securely couple with the elongate member and obturator, allowing for easy handling and measurement markings for precise insertion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a disposable insertion device is used, then device complexity and sterilization requirements are reduced, but manufacturing precision must be maintained to ensure accurate needle advancement and prosthesis placement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidmanufacturing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion device is divided into separate components (elongate member, coupler, obturator, needle) that can be manufactured independently with precise tolerances and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall manufacturing precision without requiring the entire device to be sterilizable as a single complex unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed as a disposable single-use instrument, eliminating the need for complex sterilization systems and repeated sterilization cycles. The disposable nature allows for simplified design while maintaining precision through controlled manufacturing processes, as the device does not need to withstand multiple sterilization events that would compromise its structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If engagement members are added to prevent obturator removal, then reliability of needle anchoring is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The obturator is nested within the elongate member, and engagement members are integrated into the coupler structure. The engagement members protrude into the lumen to anchor the obturator, creating a nested configuration where components are housed within one another. This nesting approach provides reliable anchoring while minimizing the overall device footprint and avoiding the need for separate external anchoring mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement members are merged with the coupler structure, combining the functions of connection and anchoring in a single integrated component. This merging eliminates the need for separate anchoring devices while maintaining reliability, as the engagement members are formed as an integral part of the coupler assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If measurement markings are added to the elongate member, then insertion precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion precisionVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Measurement markings are pre-applied to the elongate member during the manufacturing process, allowing surgeons to immediately utilize precise measurements during insertion without requiring additional calibration or setup steps. The markings are integrated into the device fabrication, enabling precise insertion depth control while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard manufacturing techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20240358404A1Disposable furlow insertion device

Publication Date: 2024.10.31 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

AI summary

According to a general aspect, an insertion device includes an elongate member defining a lumen extending from a first end of the elongate member to a second end of the elongate member; a coupler configured to be coupled to a first end portion of the elongate member, the coupler defining a lumen; and an obturator having a first end portion, the first end portion of the obturator being configured to be disposed within the lumen defined by the elongate member and move from a first position within the lumen defined by the elongate member to a second position within the lumen defined by the elongate member.