Perineal Probe With Flared Elastic Retention and Segmented Electrodes
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing perineal probes are uncomfortable for patients, prone to dislodgment during exams or rehabilitation, and fail to accurately diagnose or treat the functional state of specific anatomical structures involved in continence mechanisms due to their cylindrical design and annular electrodes, which do not effectively isolate muscles or maintain position during increased intra-abdominal pressure.
Innovation Solution
A perineal probe with a cylindrical portion and a flared, elastically deformable portion that unfolds to support the endocavity walls, featuring electronic organs on both parts to interact with deep and superficial muscles, and a maintenance organ that secures the probe in place using a tongue-like structure to prevent expulsion during movements causing urinary or fecal leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cylindrical probe body with rounded free end is used, then the probe can be inserted into the vaginal or anal cavity, but it causes discomfort during insertion and removal and tends to slip out when intra-abdominal pressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe head is made elastically deformable to adapt dynamically to the anatomical cavity. The material allows the probe to deform during insertion for comfort, then maintain position through elastic retention forces when intra-abdominal pressure increases, resolving the contradiction between ease of insertion and reliable retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe utilizes changes in physical parameters - specifically elastic deformation and material compliance - to achieve both comfortable insertion and secure retention. The elastic properties allow the probe to transition from a rigid insertion tool to a compliant retaining device within the body cavity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If annular electrodes are positioned on the cylindrical probe body, then electrotherapy can be applied to surrounding tissues, but the annular shape does not allow for isolation of muscles from one another
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system is segmented into multiple independent electrodes positioned at different locations on the probe body. This segmentation allows selective activation and isolation of specific muscle groups (such as puborectalis, pubococcygeus, iliococcygeus) rather than stimulating all surrounding muscles simultaneously, thereby improving measurement precision and targeted treatment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the probe body are equipped with electrodes having different properties and configurations tailored to specific anatomical locations. This local quality approach enables precise targeting of specific muscle planes and structures, allowing differentiated evaluation and treatment of deep versus superficial muscle layers.
3Ease of manufacture
If the probe body is designed for electrotherapy rehabilitation of connective tissue and surrounding muscles, then rehabilitation can be performed, but it is difficult to determine the functional status of muscles surrounding the endocavity in orthostatic or orthodynamic positions
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is designed with multi-functionality to perform both electrotherapy rehabilitation and functional assessment in various positions. The device can deliver electrical stimulation for tissue rehabilitation while simultaneously measuring electrical activity and mechanical properties of muscles in orthostatic, orthodynamic, and supine positions, eliminating the need for separate diagnostic and therapeutic devices.
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 probe reduces discomfort, maintains position during physical movements, and allows for differentiated evaluation and treatment of deep and superficial muscle planes, providing a more accurate assessment and effective rehabilitation of continence-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
the flared portion being elastically deformable between a folded position and a deployed position so as to bear against the walls of the endocavity
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a perineal probe (10) comprising a probe body which has electronic members (110, 111, 112) configured to interact with perineal muscles of a patient. According to the invention, the probe body has: a cylindrical portion (12) configured to be positioned at the opening of the body cavity of a patient, and a flared portion (13) which extends from one end (121) of the cylindrical portion (12), the flared portion (13) extends widening from the cylindrical portion (12) as far as a free summit (130), the flared portion (13) being elastically deformable between a retracted position and a deployed position, the electronic members (110, 111, 112) being arranged on the flared portion (13) and/or on the cylindrical portion (12).