Subdermal Implant Removal Tool with Skin-Gripping Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current procedure for removing subdermal contraceptive implants is complex, highly variable, and relies on individual surgical skills, lacking standardized methods and dedicated removal devices, which impedes the increase in contraceptive implant use and patient care.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a main body and channel for gripping the skin around the implant, allowing it to be fixed in place, facilitating precise incision and removal, reducing inter-operator variability and procedural complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If general surgical skills and scalpels are used for CI removal, then the procedure can be performed with basic surgical tools, but the procedure becomes complex, highly variable, and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized removal device as an intermediary tool between the surgeon and the implant. This device includes a needle for locating the implant and a gripper mechanism for secure removal, standardizing the procedure and reducing variability while maintaining accessibility through dedicated but relatively simple tools
Solution Approach 2:
The removal device is segmented into distinct functional components: a needle portion for implant location and a gripper portion for removal. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, simplifying the overall procedure while maintaining tool accessibility
2Adaptability or versatility
If general surgical skills are relied upon for CI removal, then no specialized training is required beyond basic surgery, but the procedure duration becomes highly variable and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The removal device is designed to be self-guiding and self-explanatory, with the needle automatically locating the implant through its tracking mechanism and the gripper automatically engaging the implant. This reduces reliance on surgeon skill variability and standardizes procedure time across different practitioners
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates feedback mechanisms where the needle provides tactile and visual feedback about implant location, and the gripper provides feedback about successful engagement. This feedback system standardizes the removal process, reducing procedure time variability while remaining accessible to broadly trained surgeons
3Ease of operation
If the implant position is not fixed before incision, then the procedure can be more flexible, but the implant must be re-located after incision, increasing procedure time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary actions by locating and securing the implant before the incision is made. The needle tracks the implant to determine its precise location, and the gripper engages the implant to fix its position relative to the skin surface, eliminating the need for re-location after incision and reducing overall procedure time
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for use in fixing the position of an implanted item beneath skin, comprises:a main body,a channel in the main body, the channel defining at least two gripping interfaces for engagement with the skin and around the implanted item,wherein the interfaces are positioned such that, when engaged with the skin, the interfaces retain the implanted item in a known position relative to the engaged skin.Methods of using the tool are also described.