Repositionable surgical tampon

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical tampons for nasal and sinus surgeries face challenges in proper positioning, leading to inefficiencies and patient discomfort, and often require complex operations that distract surgeons from immediate patient care.

Innovation Solution

A conformable surgical tampon with positioning strings that allow for selective placement and removal within anatomical cavities, featuring a deployment tube and plunger system for easy insertion and a suction tube for fluid management, along with optional functional additives for medication delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If complex operations are used for tampon placement and positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but surgical efficiency deteriorates due to surgeon distraction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsurgical efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The tampon is pre-formed with attached positioning strings and deployment mechanisms before surgery. The strings are pre-positioned at specific locations on the tampon body, allowing the surgeon to simply pull the strings for placement without complex manipulation during surgery. This preliminary preparation resolves the contradiction by ensuring accurate positioning is achieved through simple pre-designed features rather than complex surgical operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If traditional tampons are used without positioning aids, then device simplicity is maintained, but positioning difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidpositioning difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Positioning strings serve as intermediary elements between the surgeon and the tampon. These simple string mediators transmit the surgeon's pulling action to the tampon, enabling easy positioning without requiring complex devices. The strings act as a simple intermediary that bridges the gap between basic tampon design and effective positioning control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate devices are used for tampon placement, fluid management, and medication delivery, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple functions into a single integrated tampon device. The tampon body combines absorbent material for fluid management, positioning strings for placement, and can incorporate medication reservoirs or delivery mechanisms. This consolidation resolves the contradiction by providing functional versatility through integration rather than through multiple separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tampon is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple functions: absorbing fluids, positioning itself via strings, delivering medication, and potentially providing irrigation. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace several specialized devices, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If anterior nasal tampons are used, then ease of insertion is improved, but effectiveness deteriorates when bleeding source cannot be identified

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of insertionVSAvoideffectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from purely anterior nasal tampon placement to a multi-dimensional approach using strings that can extend through both nasal passages and/or the oral cavity. This allows the tampon to be positioned in the nasopharynx (posterior) while maintaining ease of insertion through the anterior nostrils. The string dimension provides the means to achieve posterior positioning via anterior access, resolving the contradiction between ease of insertion and effectiveness for posterior bleeding sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Facilitates convenient and flexible surgical tampon placement, minimizing distractions for surgeons, enhancing patient comfort and safety by ensuring proper positioning and fluid management during surgeries.

Implementation Method 1

an absorbent chassis material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

absorb and collect bodily fluids

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS12551674B2Repositionable surgical tampon

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES AS REPRESENTED BY THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY

AI summary

A conformable surgical tampon for disposition into and removal from an anatomical cavity of a mammalian patient by a doctor to absorb and collect bodily fluids. The tampon comprises an absorbent chassis material and a plurality of spaced apart positioning strings attached to the chassis. The spaced apart positioning strings are operative to selectively position the conformable nasopharyngeal tampon within an anatomical cavity of a patient responsive to manipulation of a positioning string by a surgeon. The tampon is particularly suited for nasopharyngeal surgery.