Locking Intrauterine Frame for Low-Diameter Cervical Insertion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intrauterine systems (IUS) face issues such as pain and discomfort during insertion due to the large cross-sectional diameter passing through the cervix, and there is a risk of uterus penetration during improper insertion.
Innovation Solution
An intrauterine system with a flexible frame and locking parts that minimizes the cross-sectional diameter passing through the cervix, allowing for a smooth insertion and reducing the risk of uterus penetration by forming a desired shape upon deployment in the uterus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional IUS with insertion tube is used, then the IUS can be inserted into the uterus, but the cross-sectional diameter passing through the cervix is large causing pain and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The IUS is divided into multiple segments or sections that can flex relative to each other. The frame comprises multiple bars connected by joints, allowing the structure to segment and adapt its shape during insertion, reducing the effective cross-sectional diameter passing through the cervix while maintaining structural integrity for uterine anchoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The IUS employs a dynamic, flexible frame structure with movable joints rather than a rigid structure. This allows the IUS to change its configuration during insertion - adopting a more compact, flexible shape to pass through the cervix with minimal discomfort, then expanding to its functional shape once deployed in the uterus.
2Reliability
If an unexperienced physician performs insertion or uterine dimensions are wrongly determined, then the inserter may penetrate the uterine wall, but proper insertion should be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The IUS incorporates shape memory materials or phase change mechanisms that allow the device to transition between different states. During insertion, the IUS maintains a flexible, insertable configuration, and upon deployment in the uterus, it undergoes a parameter change (shape recovery, expansion, or locking) to achieve its stable, anchoring configuration, providing tactile feedback to the physician that proper placement has been achieved.
Solution Approach 2:
The IUS is designed to self-anchor and self-verify proper placement within the uterus. The frame structure automatically engages with the uterine wall through its flexible bars and joints, and the device provides inherent stability and positioning feedback, reducing dependence on physician experience for accurate placement while maintaining high safety standards.
3Ease of operation
If the IUS frame is made flexible to enhance patient acceptability, then insertion comfort improves, but structural stability for anchoring may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into multiple bars connected by joints, where each segment can flex independently during insertion to improve comfort, while the collective arrangement of segments provides sufficient structural stability for anchoring. The segmentation allows the frame to adapt to the cervix passage while maintaining overall rigidity when deployed in the uterus.
Solution Approach 2:
The IUS frame utilizes composite materials or material composites that combine flexibility and strength properties. The material composition allows the frame to be flexible enough for comfortable insertion through the cervix while maintaining sufficient strength and stability for reliable anchoring in the uterine cavity.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an intrauterine system (100, 300, 400, 500, 600) comprising a frame (102, 302, 402, 502, 602), a removal thread (218, 326, 436, 626) and at least one pharmaceutically active agent. The frame has a first end (104, 304, 404, 504, 604), a second end (106, 306, 406, 506, 606) and a length L. The first end of the frame comprises a first locking part (108, 308, 408, 508, 608) and the second end of the frame comprises a second locking part (110, 310, 410, 510, 610), the first locking part and the second locking part being arranged to form a lock (202, 312, 432). The removal thread is attached to the first end of the frame. The removal thread is configured to guide the first locking part to the second locking part. Further, disclosed is a kit comprising the aforementioned intrauterine system and an inserter.