IUD Delivery Device Nonlinear Insertion Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for inserting intrauterine devices (IUDs) are complex and prone to misplacement, uterine wall perforations, and increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, requiring multiple tools and precise procedures that can be challenging for healthcare providers.
Innovation Solution
A novel implant delivery device with a housing, head, and insertion member that allows for nonlinear movement, including bending, pivoting, and rotation, to facilitate the insertion of IUDs into the uterus with reduced procedural complexity and risk, using a vacuum mechanism to align the uterine cavity and cervical canal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If known methods of IUD insertion are used (involving multiple tools and precise operations), then the IUD can be inserted into the uterus, but the procedure is complex and prone to misplacement, uterine wall perforations, and expulsion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate tools (speculum, tenaculum, os finder, uterine sound, and inserter) into a single integrated device. The housing contains a cervix-grasping mechanism, a uterine cavity depth measurement feature, and an implant delivery system all in one unit, eliminating the need for multiple separate operations and reducing procedural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The single device performs multiple functions: it grasps the cervix, measures uterine cavity depth, guides the insertion path, and delivers the implant. This multi-functional design replaces several specialized tools with one universal instrument that handles all insertion steps
2Reliability
If known methods of IUD insertion are used with multiple precise operations, then the IUD can be placed, but the risk of uterine wall perforations and embedding increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a uterine cavity depth measurement mechanism as an intermediary step that determines the correct insertion depth before implant delivery. This mediator feature provides real-time feedback on uterine anatomy, allowing the operator to adjust the insertion depth and avoid perforation risks
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary actions including cervix grasping and uterine cavity depth measurement before the actual implant insertion. These preliminary steps prepare the pathway and establish safe parameters for the subsequent implant delivery, reducing the risk of perforation during the critical insertion phase
3Reliability
If known methods of IUD insertion are used, then the IUD can be inserted, but the chance of embedding in the endometrium and expulsion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a uterine cavity depth measurement mechanism that provides feedback on the actual depth of the uterine cavity. This feedback allows the operator to precisely control the implant insertion depth, ensuring optimal placement that prevents both perforation and embedding, thereby reducing expulsion risk
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical sounding process with an integrated depth measurement system that provides more accurate and reliable depth information. This substitution enables more precise control over implant placement depth, improving placement accuracy and stability
4Productivity
If known methods of IUD insertion are used involving multiple tools, then the procedure can be completed, but the time required and patient discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple tools into a single device, the patent eliminates the time required to set up, switch between, and clean multiple separate instruments. The single-device approach streamlines the workflow and reduces procedural time while maintaining all necessary functions
Solution Approach 2:
The single device is segmented into functional modules (cervix grasping, depth measurement, implant delivery) that can be independently optimized but work together in sequence. This modular segmentation allows efficient execution of each step without the overhead of multiple separate tools
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 simplifies the IUD insertion process, reduces the risk of misplacement and complications, and allows for safe and efficient placement by healthcare providers across various skill levels, minimizing patient discomfort and procedural time.
Implementation Method 1
using a vacuum mechanism to align the uterine cavity and cervical canal
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, an implant delivery device can include a housing defining a housing passageway. A distal end of the housing can flexibly couple to a head that can define a head passageway. Collectively, the housing passageway and the head passageway can define an insertion passageway such that, at least a portion of the insertion passageway is nonlinear. The implant delivery device can include at least one insertion member having a distal end configured to be removably coupled to an implant. The insertion member can be disposed within the housing such that, at least a portion of a proximal end of the insertion member is housed within the housing. The insertion member can be configured to bend, pivot, and/or rotate and move within a portion of the insertion passageway to convey the implant to a target tissue.