Pessary Removal Loop for Self-Service Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pessary devices for pelvic organ prolapse are difficult for patients to insert and remove independently, leading to reliance on medical practitioners for maintenance, discomfort, and increased risk of complications.
Innovation Solution
A pessary device with a unique easy-to-access loop on the stem allows for finger insertion and removal, eliminating the need for forceps and reducing pressure on the vaginal canal, facilitating self-management by patients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional pessary devices are used, then the pelvic organs are supported effectively, but the device is difficult for patients to insert and remove independently
Solution Approach 1:
The pessary device is divided into distinct functional segments: a support portion for pelvic organ support, a stem for positioning, and a removal loop for easy extraction. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function independently, enabling effective support while facilitating easy removal by patients.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal loop acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the pessary device and the patient's finger. This intermediate structure allows patients to easily grasp and remove the device without requiring medical practitioners, while the main support portion maintains its effectiveness for pelvic organ support.
2Ease of operation
If traditional pessary devices are used, then pelvic organ support is provided, but medical practitioners are required for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The removal loop is extracted as a separate, dedicated component from the main pessary body. This extracted element specifically addresses the removal function, allowing patients to independently manage the device without requiring practitioners, while the main support structure maintains its integrity and support effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal loop enables patients to perform self-service by independently inserting and removing the pessary device. This self-service capability eliminates the need for medical practitioner involvement in routine maintenance, while the overall device structure remains relatively simple with only three main components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If forceps are used for removal, then the pessary can be removed, but discomfort and risk of complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The removal loop is designed with local quality differences - it has a larger diameter and increased surface area compared to the stem, making it specifically optimized for finger grasping. This localized design improvement allows comfortable patient-driven removal without forceps, eliminating the discomfort and complications associated with traditional forceps removal while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A pessary device has a support portion, a stem and a loop attached to the stem to facilitate manipulation and control of the pessary device. The loop portion is flexible and provides a hole for receipt of a finger of the person inserting or removing the pessary device. The loop portion preferably includes a taper and/or a dimpled end to facilitate the use of a finger or an applicator for insertion of the device deeper into the vagina.