Perineal Reinforcement Shield Force Redistribution
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for preventing obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) during vaginal delivery lack adequate perineum support and fail to redistribute forces effectively during crowning, leading to potential tissue tearing and loss of bowel control.
Innovation Solution
A perineal protection device that provides support to the perineum by engaging a reinforcement shield with the perineal area, redistributing forces generated during crowning through a support pad and reinforcement fibers, and optionally heating the perineal area to increase elasticity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vaginal dilatation devices are used to expand vagina muscle walls, then OASIS prevention is improved, but perineum support is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: a vaginal dilatation device for expanding vagina muscle walls and a perineal support device for providing perineum support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between OASIS prevention and perineum support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the vaginal dilatation device and perineal support device into an integrated system that works together during vaginal delivery. The perineal support device is positioned to support the perineum while the vaginal dilatation device expands the vagina muscle walls, achieving both OASIS prevention and perineum support simultaneously.
2Strength
If a support device with suction cups is inserted into the posterior portion of the vagina, then perineum support is improved, but arcuate support surface for directing baby's head is missing
Solution Approach 1:
The perineal support device is merged with an arcuate support surface that forms part of the same structural assembly. This combination allows the device to simultaneously provide perineum support through the support surface and guide the baby's head during crowning through the arcuate geometry, eliminating the need for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The perineal support device is designed to perform multiple functions: supporting the perineum, directing the baby's head during crowning, and maintaining access for medical personnel. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between perineum support and crowning guidance by integrating both capabilities into a single device.
3Reliability
If perineal protection device provides support and force redistribution, then perineal tearing risk is reduced, but access for medical procedures may be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a window or opening in the perineal support structure that allows medical access while maintaining support and force redistribution in other areas. This local modification enables medical procedures to be performed without compromising the overall protective function of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The perineal support device is designed to be dynamically adjustable or removable in specific areas to allow medical access during procedures while maintaining support during normal delivery. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between continuous protection and procedural access.
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 effectively reduces the risk of perineal tearing and loss of bowel control by providing necessary support and force redistribution during vaginal delivery, while also maintaining access for medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
heating the perineal area to increase elasticity
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of embodiments pertain to a perineal protection device for reducing the risk or preventing perineal tear during birth. The device may comprise a reinforcement shield that is releasably connectable to a female perineum of a subject, the reinforcement shield having a surface geometry substantially corresponding to an underlying perineal muscle structure and being configured to reduce deformation of the perineum during childbirth. Optionally, the perineal protection device further comprises a fastener arrangement for releasably securing the reinforcement shield to the female perineum. The fastener arrangement may comprise a support pad that is adhesively engageable with the subject and/or straps for strapping the reinforcement shield to the subject.