Inflatable Surgical Device for Fetal Head Impaction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Cesarean Sections performed during advanced or prolonged labor stages often result in complications such as fetal head impaction, delayed delivery, trauma to the fetus, and increased maternal trauma and infections, due to the lack of effective tools for assisting in the delivery of the fetal head during these situations.

Innovation Solution

A surgical device featuring an inflatable portion that acts as a hydraulic jack to gently lift and dislodge the deeply engaged fetal head in the pelvic cavity, facilitating safe and timely delivery during Cesarean Sections, especially when vaginal delivery attempts have failed or are complicated.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If instrumental vaginal delivery is attempted, then delivery can be achieved, but fetal head impaction occurs and delivery delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery speedVSAvoiddelivery interval

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device is inserted into the vaginal cavity before the Cesarean section to preemptively elevate the impacted fetal head, creating clearance space and reducing impaction. This preliminary action allows the surgical team to proceed with Cesarean delivery without further delay, as the head is already positioned optimally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The inflatable device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the surgical team and the impacted fetal head. By inflating the device, it generates controlled upward force to elevate the head, serving as a mechanical mediator that resolves the impaction without requiring direct manual manipulation or additional assistants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If manual pushing technique is used to assist delivery, then fetal head can be pushed through, but direct trauma to fetus and maternal trauma occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery assistanceVSAvoidtrauma to fetus and mother

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The inflatable device serves as a non-traumatic intermediary that transfers force gently to elevate the fetal head. Unlike direct manual pushing, the device distributes force across a larger area and controls the elevation process, avoiding concentrated pressure points that cause trauma to the fetus and maternal tissues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The device utilizes pneumatic inflation to generate controlled, distributed upward force. The air pressure within the inflatable chamber translates to gentle, progressive elevation of the fetal head, replacing harsh manual pushing with a controlled pneumatic mechanism that minimizes tissue damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Productivity

If vacuum instrument is used, then delivery can be achieved, but delivery delay increases and fetal trauma occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery capabilityVSAvoiddelivery delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device is inserted and inflated before the Cesarean section to preemptively elevate the impacted fetal head, creating clearance space. This preliminary elevation action eliminates the need for subsequent vacuum extraction or prolonged manual manipulation, allowing the surgical team to proceed directly with Cesarean delivery without delay.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If extension of uterine incision is performed, then delivery can be achieved, but blood loss increases and trauma to urinary tract occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery capabilityVSAvoidblood loss and urinary tract trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By inserting the device before the Cesarean section and inflating it to elevate the fetal head, the surgical team creates optimal delivery conditions beforehand. This preliminary action reduces the need for extended uterine incisions and minimizes manipulation of surrounding tissues, thereby reducing blood loss and preventing urinary tract trauma during the delivery process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enables safe and timely delivery of the fetus by providing controlled force to dislodge the fetal head, reducing the need for additional assistants and minimizing trauma to both the mother and fetus, while also being beneficial for premature or deeply wedged babies.

Implementation Method 1

an inflatable portion (1) mounted on the plate (2)... acts as a hydraulic jack to lift the fetal head

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic jack principle: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS9055973B2Device to assist in cesarean section

Publication Date: 2015.06.16 COOPERSURGICAL INC

AI summary

Surgical device to allow an easy delivery of the fetus during a Cesarean Section when fetal head is deeply wedged in the female pelvic cavity. The device consists of inflatable portion to lift the fetal head attached to foldable base plate that can be folded with the inflatable portion for insertion of the device into the female vagina below the fetal head. The inflatable portion is inflated by injecting biocompatible fluid by pressurizing device such as syringe, pressure bag, hand pump or powdered pump. The device can also be of use in other situations like abdominal delivery of a premature or small baby and when cord prolapse has occurred.