Tenaculum Stabilizer Device for Hysteroscope Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
During procedures involving the insertion of devices through the cervix into the uterus, there is a risk of premature withdrawal, which can lead to fluids or gases leaking from the uterus into the vagina, causing damage to non-targeted tissue, necessitating a stabilizing mechanism to secure the device in place.
Innovation Solution
A tenaculum stabilizer apparatus comprising a sheath with a guide member and a stabilizer element that can be moved along the guide member to engage with the tenaculum, providing adjustable stabilization and minimizing interference with hysteroscopes, and featuring a positive stop mechanism to prevent unintended removal, allowing for secure positioning and tensioning to prevent device withdrawal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a tenaculum is used to lock the device in place, then the device stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer apparatus is divided into separate functional components: a stabilizer element that engages with the tenaculum, a guide member that provides a track for movement, and a sheath that houses these components. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system stability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member acts as an intermediary mechanism between the stabilizer element and the sheath, providing a controlled path for the stabilizer element to engage with the tenaculum. This intermediary structure enables stable locking while maintaining ease of operation through the guide track.
2Reliability
If the stabilizer element is positioned proximally, then the prevention of premature withdrawal is improved, but the interference with hysteroscope insertion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer element is designed to be movable along the guide member's track, allowing it to be dynamically positioned. During hysteroscope insertion, the stabilizer element can be retracted or repositioned to minimize interference, and then advanced to engage with the tenaculum for stable locking, providing both ease of operation and reliable prevention of premature withdrawal.
3Manufacturing precision
If the guide member extends a predetermined distance, then the stabilization accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member is pre-formed with a predetermined track geometry that guides the stabilizer element to the correct engagement position. This preliminary structuring of the guide track ensures accurate stabilization positioning is achieved during operation without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or additional components.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for treating tissue, comprising a sheath defining a lumen sized and shaped to receive a treatment device therein, a guide member coupled to the sheath and extending a predetermined distance substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sheath, and a stabilizer element for engaging an anchoring device coupled to tissue to stabilize the sheath and the treatment device, the stabilizing element being movably coupled to the guide member for movement therealong substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sheath wherein, when in a proximal-most position, the stabilizer element is located proximally of a proximal end of the guide member.