Uterine Manipulator Force Feedback and Specimen Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current uterine manipulators lack a mechanism to indicate the force applied during colpotomy procedures, which can lead to potential ureter injury due to insufficient force, and do not integrate a specimen containment system for efficient specimen handling.
Innovation Solution
A uterine manipulator with a handle assembly and shaft that includes a cervical cup, a specimen containment system with a deployable bag, and a biasing element to provide force feedback through an indicator and sensor system, ensuring consistent force application and containment of the specimen during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional uterine manipulators are used without force indication, then the device structure remains simple, but the risk of ureter injury increases due to insufficient force application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a force indication mechanism that provides feedback to the surgeon about the force applied during colpotomy. This allows real-time monitoring and adjustment of force application to prevent ureter injury while maintaining adequate force for effective colpotomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary force indication system between the manipulator and the surgeon's perception. This intermediary component translates mechanical force into visible or detectable indicators, enabling the surgeon to monitor force levels without directly sensing them.
2Productivity
If separate specimen bag insertion is used, then the manipulator structure remains simple, but the time required for specimen containment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the specimen containment bag with the manipulator assembly, integrating a function that was previously performed by a separate device. This integration allows the specimen bag to be deployed through the manipulator shaft, eliminating the need for separate insertion and reducing overall procedure time.
Solution Approach 2:
The specimen containment bag is pre-positioned within the manipulator shaft in a collapsed or compact state, allowing it to be deployed at the appropriate moment during the procedure. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for separate bag insertion steps.
3Ease of operation
If sufficient distal force is applied to mobilize the cervix, then colpotomy can be performed, but the risk of ureter injury increases if force is not precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The force indication mechanism provides continuous feedback to the surgeon during cervical mobilization, allowing real-time adjustment of force application. This feedback loop enables the surgeon to apply sufficient force for effective colpotomy while stopping before reaching forces that could injure the ureter.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of force application during the procedure, transitioning from low force for initial positioning to higher force for cervical mobilization, with continuous monitoring to prevent exceeding safe thresholds.
Data Source
AI summary
A uterine manipulator includes a handle assembly and a shaft extending distally from the handle assembly. An end effector assembly is disposed at a distal end portion of the shaft and includes a cervical cup and a distal tip extending distally from the cervical cup. A specimen containment system is supported on the shaft between the handle assembly and the end effector assembly. The specimen containment system includes a sleeve having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, and a specimen containment bag having a first end portion and a second end portion. The specimen containment bag is supported within the sleeve and is movable from an initial position, wherein the specimen containment bag is disposed within the sleeve, to a deployed position, wherein the specimen containment bag is deployed from the sleeve.