Self-Testing Pap Test Device Using Endoscopic Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cervical cancer screening, such as the Pap smear test, are invasive, painful, and require medical professional assistance, making them uncomfortable and inaccessible for many women, especially in developing regions, and lack self-testing and mobile options.
Innovation Solution
A portable self-testing medical device comprising a protective endoscopic catheter, an endoscope with a camera and light emitting diodes, and a cell extraction device, allowing women to collect cervical cell samples privately and efficiently without a gynecologist's assistance, using a computing device for improved visualization and data storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a speculum is used to access the cervix for tissue sample collection, then the medical professional can obtain a cervical cell sample, but the patient experiences discomfort, pain, and apprehension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the speculum from the diagnostic process entirely. Instead of using a speculum to access the cervix, the invention uses a slender catheter that can be inserted without spreading the vaginal walls, thereby eliminating the source of patient discomfort while maintaining the ability to collect cervical cell samples
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an endoscopic camera as an intermediary tool. The camera is inserted through the catheter to visualize the cervix, allowing the medical professional to locate and access the cervix without mechanical spreading, thus mediating between the need for sample collection and patient comfort
2Reliability
If a gynecologist performs the pap-test in an office setting, then the test can be conducted with proper medical supervision, but the procedure becomes expensive and inaccessible for many women
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a device that can be used by both medical professionals in office settings and by patients for self-testing at home. The system maintains medical supervision quality through telemedicine capabilities while adapting to different settings, making the test universally applicable across various environments and user groups
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for physical office infrastructure with a portable device that can be used anywhere with a computing device for image analysis. This substitution of mechanical office-based systems with a portable, digitally-connected system enables testing in resource-limited areas while maintaining diagnostic quality
3Reliability
If traditional pap-test methods are used, then the procedure follows established medical protocols, but the test requires in-office visits and cannot be performed mobile or at home
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables patients to perform the pap-test themselves at home by providing a device that can be easily inserted and operated without medical training. The system maintains protocol adherence through automated image capture and analysis, allowing self-service while following established medical guidelines
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscopic camera acts as an intermediary that captures images of the cervix, which are then transmitted to a computing device for analysis. This intermediary system bridges the gap between self-testing and medical protocol adherence, allowing patients to perform the test themselves while maintaining diagnostic reliability through automated image evaluation
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 reduces discomfort and pain, enables self-testing, and increases accessibility, making cervical cancer screening more efficient, accurate, and cost-effective, allowing for early detection of cervical cancer and other STIs, particularly in resource-limited areas.
Implementation Method 1
an endoscope device having a camera and a light emitting device assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device for conducting papanicolaou (pap) test is disclosed. The device comprises a protective guide, an endoscopic device, a cell extraction device, and a computing device. The protective guide has an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The endoscope has a camera and a light emitting device assembly. The endoscope is securely positioned within the upper chamber. The cell extraction device has a handle at one end and a brush affixed at another end. The cell extraction device is slidably positioned within the lower chamber. The cell extraction device is configured to slide outward for positioning the brush around the user's cervix, thereby conveniently allowing for a cervical cell sample to be collected. The computing device in communication with the endoscope device and is configured to improve detection accuracy and visual examinations of the targeted cervical area, thereby enabling the user to collect the cervical cell sample for conducting the PAP test.