Magnetic Tissue Approximation Device for Uterine Incision Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for closing incisions, such as those in uterine tissue during a cesarean section, often result in improper tissue alignment, leading to potential complications like abnormal placental implantation and pelvic pain due to inadequate approximation of tissue planes.
Innovation Solution
A medical device comprising an internal and external portion with flexible sheet members and magnetic coupling members that magnetically attract each other to align and capture uterine tissue planes, allowing precise approximation and alignment for effective closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional forceps and needle driver are used to close incisions, then the procedure can be performed with simple tools, but tissue alignment and approximation are inadequate leading to complications
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate internal and external portions that can be independently positioned and then magnetically coupled. The internal portion includes an internal sheet member with engaging surfaces for internal tissue planes, while the external portion includes an external sheet member for external tissue planes. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while achieving reliable tissue alignment when coupled.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical system of forceps and needle driver is replaced with a magnetic coupling system. Magnetic members in the internal and external portions are attracted to each other to couple the portions together, eliminating the need for complex mechanical holding devices and enabling more reliable tissue approximation through the flexible sheet members.
2Manufacturing precision
If magnetic coupling is used to approximate tissue planes, then tissue alignment precision is improved, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes flexible sheet members as the primary structural component. These thin, flexible members can conform to the tissue planes and provide gentle, distributed contact for precise alignment. The flexible nature allows the sheet members to adapt to anatomical variations while maintaining precision, and they can be easily coupled through magnetic attraction without requiring rigid structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If working windows are aligned between internal and external portions, then surgical access is improved, but alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling system automatically facilitates alignment of the working windows. The magnetic attraction between the magnetic members creates a natural alignment mechanism that draws the internal and external portions together with their working windows in correspondence. This eliminates the need for complex mechanical alignment devices and reduces the precision requirements for manual window alignment during surgery.
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 ensures proper alignment and approximation of uterine tissue planes, reducing the risk of complications by maintaining tissue alignment during suturing and facilitating efficient incision closure.
Implementation Method 1
The first magnetic member and the second magnetic member may be attracted to one another to magnetically couple the internal portion and the external portion to one another and capture the body tissue between the internal portion and the external portion
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for approximating planes of a body tissue during a medical procedure may include an internal portion and an external portion. The internal portion may be implantable within a body of a patient and may include a first flexible sheet member, a first magnetic member, and a first working window through the first flexible sheet member. The external portion may include a second flexible sheet member, a second magnetic member, and a second working window through the second flexible sheet member. The first magnetic member and the second magnetic member may be attracted to one another to magnetically couple the internal and external portions and capture the body tissue between the internal and external portions. The first working window may be substantially aligned with the second working window to enable access to the internal and external surfaces of the body tissue through the respective first and second working windows.