Haemostat Applicator Tool for Deep Wound Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for applying haemostats to deep or narrow wounds, such as those caused by gunshot or stabbing, are ineffective as they require surgical widening to accommodate traditional haemostat application tools, which can be cumbersome and difficult to use in small aperture wounds.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a barrel and plunger system that allows for the precise insertion of haemostatic materials through a small diameter outlet, featuring a rotatable sleeve mechanism for loading and a dilatable nozzle for expanding the material at the wound site, enabling the application of haemostats in deep or narrow wounds without surgical intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional haemostat application tools are used, then the haemostat can be applied to surface tissue wounds, but the tool cannot be easily inserted into deep or narrow wounds with small apertures
Solution Approach 1:
The tool employs a nested structure where an inner sleeve containing the plunger is housed within an outer sleeve. The inner sleeve can rotate independently within the outer sleeve, allowing the loading aperture to be positioned for loading without removing the tool from the wound. This nested configuration enables the tool to access deep wounds through small apertures while maintaining the capability to load haemostat material.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool incorporates a rotatable inner sleeve that can change its angular position relative to the outer sleeve. The loading aperture in the inner sleeve can be rotated into alignment with the outlet aperture in the outer sleeve for loading, or rotated out of alignment for deployment. This dynamic repositioning allows the tool to adapt between loading and application phases without requiring removal from the wound site.
2Length of moving object
If the outlet aperture is made smaller to fit through narrow wounds, then the tool can access deep wounds, but the plunger cannot be fully inserted to expel the haemostat
Solution Approach 1:
The tool divides the aperture system into two separate components: an outlet aperture in the outer sleeve and a loading aperture in the inner sleeve. The outlet aperture maintains a smaller diameter to fit through narrow wounds, while the loading aperture can be positioned to align with the outlet during loading. This segmentation allows the outlet to be optimally sized for wound access while the loading mechanism compensates for the restricted opening size.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner sleeve acts as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the gap between the small outlet aperture and the plunger. By rotating the inner sleeve to align its loading aperture with the outlet, the system creates a temporary enlarged passage for loading the haemostat, while maintaining the small outlet diameter for wound access. The inner sleeve mediates between the conflicting requirements of small outlet size and full plunger insertion.
3Ease of manufacture
If the loading aperture is positioned for easy loading, then the haemostat can be loaded efficiently, but the tool cannot be inserted into deep or narrow wounds
Solution Approach 1:
The tool adds a rotational dimension to the loading mechanism. Instead of requiring the loading aperture to be fixed in a position that compromises insertion capability, the inner sleeve can rotate to bring the loading aperture into alignment with the outlet aperture. This dimensional change (from linear to rotational positioning) allows efficient loading without compromising the tool's ability to insert into deep or narrow wounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is designed to be inserted into the wound first, with the loading aperture initially positioned away from the outlet. After insertion, the inner sleeve is rotated to align the loading aperture with the outlet, creating a loading pathway. This preliminary insertion followed by rotational alignment allows the tool to achieve both deep wound access and efficient loading without compromising either function.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
A tool for application of a haemostat to a site of bleeding comprises a cylindrical barrel (10), a plunger (11) slidable in the barrel, the barrel (10) having an outlet end (18). The outlet end (18) may be configured as a cone or rounded end with a central aperture (19) and longitudinal slots (20) in a cruciform arrangement, or may be left open. The barrel may have a slot (39) alignable with a slot (37) in an inner member for insertion of a haemostat body (40) in the barrel. The barrel and plunger may be separable for insertion of the body into an open end of the barrel.