Uterine Manipulator Cup Alignment and Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current uterine manipulators face challenges in ensuring proper alignment and secure positioning during gynecological surgeries, which can lead to mis-oriented cutting edges and potential tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
The uterine manipulator features an arcuate shaft with a colpotomizer assembly that includes a cup with a specific geometry to align the cup face perpendicular to the shaft's centerline, combined with a one-handed locking mechanism using a cam roller and shrink tube for secure positioning, and an integrated light source for improved visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional uterine manipulator is used, then the procedure can be performed, but proper alignment of the cutting edge cannot be ensured, leading to mis-oriented cuts and potential tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The cup is designed with an asymmetric geometry where the cup face is disposed substantially perpendicular to the axial centerline of the cup, and the opening is offset from the axial centerline. This asymmetric configuration ensures that when the arcuate shaft is inserted through the opening, its arcuate centerline aligns with the centerpoint of the cup face, thereby ensuring proper orientation of the cutting edge relative to the uterus while preventing tissue damage.
2Reliability
If the colpotomizer assembly is made adjustable for positioning, then secure positioning can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The colpotomizer assembly is designed to be movable along the arcuate shaft, allowing dynamic adjustment of the assembly's position. This adjustability enables secure positioning at different locations along the shaft while maintaining relatively simple device architecture, as the movement mechanism integrates seamlessly with the existing structure without adding significant complexity.
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
This configuration ensures proper alignment of the cutting edge, preventing tissue damage and facilitating symmetrical cuts, while the locking mechanism allows for quick and secure positioning of the colpotomizer assembly, and the light source enhances visibility during insertion.
Implementation Method 1
The rotatable locking member includes a cam roller configured to compress the shaft when the rotatable locking member is depressed towards the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A method of adjusting a uterine manipulator includes moving a colpotomizer cup of the uterine manipulator along a curved shaft of the uterine manipulator in a manner such that a distal face of the colpotomizer cup remains centered on an arch centerline of the curved shaft and an axial centerline of the colpotomizer cup remains offset from the arch centerline of the curved shaft at an opening of the colpotomizer cup that is spaced proximally from the distal face of the colpotomizer cup.