Spring-Loaded Occlusion Clip for Fallopian Tube Sterilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fallopian tube occlusion clips are complex, require large trocar ports, lack redundancy, and have high failure rates due to inadequate occlusion force and misapplication, making them costly and inefficient for laparoscopic procedures.

Innovation Solution

A spring occlusion clip with parallel arms and a torsion spring that biases the occlusion members toward a closed position, allowing for double occlusion of the fallopian tube through a 3 mm trocar port, maintaining clamping force even as the tube diameter decreases, and reducing the risk of snagging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional ligation clips (Hulka or Filshie) are used to occlude the fallopian tube, then occlusion is achieved, but the device complexity increases and requires large trocar ports (8-12 mm)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveocclusion reliabilityVSAvoidclip structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clip is divided into two separate occlusion members (first and second occlusion members) that can independently occlude the fallopian tube at different locations, simplifying the overall structure while improving reliability through redundant occlusion points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The occlusion members are designed to be nested within each other when in the closed position, allowing the clip to pass through small trocar ports (3-5 mm) in a compact configuration while maintaining full occlusion capability when deployed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If traditional ligation clips are inserted in an open configuration, then the clip can be properly positioned, but the trocar port diameter must be large (8-12 mm) increasing procedure costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclip positioningVSAvoidtrocar port diameter

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The clip transitions from a static open configuration to a dynamic closed configuration through the action of biasing elements, allowing it to adapt its profile size for insertion while maintaining functional shape for occlusion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional clips are used without redundancy, then cost is reduced, but the likelihood of occlusion failure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclip costVSAvoidocclusion failure rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clip uses disposable single-fire applicators that are discarded after one use, eliminating the need for expensive reusable applicators while maintaining adequate occlusion functionality through the redundant two-member design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

4Reliability

If electrocautery or suture techniques are used in open procedures, then effective ligation is achieved, but the working space requirement increases procedure invasiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveligation effectivenessVSAvoidprocedure invasiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical action of the spring-loaded occlusion members replaces the need for electrocautery or suture techniques, achieving reliable occlusion through pure mechanical compression that can be applied through small laparoscopic instruments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The biasing force parameter is designed to automatically adjust to maintain adequate occlusion pressure even as the fallopian tube diameter changes over time, eliminating the need for complex control systems while ensuring reliable occlusion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution provides a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective occlusion method with reduced anesthesia and facility costs, enabling safer and more reversible sterilization procedures.

Implementation Method 1

a torsion spring connecting the proximal end of the first lower occlusion arm to the proximal end of the second upper occlusion arm. The torsion spring biases the upper and lower occlusion members toward a closed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Data Source

PatentUS7862571B2Occlusion clip and method of applying same

Publication Date: 2011.01.04 MICROLINE SURGICAL INC

AI summary

An occlusion clip is disclosed that comprises an upper occlusion member having substantially parallel first and second upper occlusion arms each having proximal and distal upper occlusion arm ends. The first and second upper occlusion arms define an upper main body width dimension. An upper arcuate portion connects the first and second upper occlusion arms at their distal ends. The occlusion clip also comprises a lower occlusion member having substantially parallel first and second lower occlusion arms each having proximal and distal lower occlusion arm ends. The first and second lower occlusion arms define a lower main body width dimension. A lower arcuate portion connects the first and second lower occlusion arms at their distal ends. The occlusion clip further comprises a torsion spring connecting the proximal end of the first lower occlusion arm to the proximal end of the second upper occlusion arm. The torsion spring biases the upper and lower occlusion members toward a closed position wherein the upper occlusion member is in contact with the lower occlusion member.