Single-Handed Uterine Manipulator with Integrated Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional uterine manipulators are cumbersome and time-consuming to use during total laparoscopic hysterectomy, requiring both hands for manipulation and lacking efficient control, which increases surgical procedure time, risk of blood loss, infection, and anesthesia time.

Innovation Solution

A uterine manipulator device with a rectal probe featuring an illumination source and adjustable along four axes, combined with a cup structure that articulates 180° and a single-handed actuator mechanism for improved control and handling, allowing precise manipulation of the uterus and adjacent organs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional uterine manipulators are used, then the uterus can be manipulated during surgery, but the device requires both hands for operation and increases surgical procedure time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesingle-handed operationVSAvoidsurgical procedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a handle assembly for single-handed gripping, a shaft for transmission, a cup structure for uterine engagement, and an integrated light source for visualization. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while enabling single-handed operation of the entire assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The uterine manipulator integrates multiple functions into a single device: manipulation control through the handle, structural transmission through the shaft, uterine engagement through the cup, and illumination through the integrated light source. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate instruments, reducing surgical time and enabling single-handed operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If conventional uterine manipulators are used, then the uterus can be manipulated, but the device lacks efficient control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol efficiencyVSAvoidmanipulator structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shaft acts as an intermediary element that transmits forces and movements from the handle assembly to the cup structure, providing efficient mechanical coupling. This intermediary mechanism allows precise control of the uterus while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If conventional uterine manipulators are used, then the procedure can be performed, but the risk of organ perforation and infection increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical safetyVSAvoidorgan perforation risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cup structure is designed to be pre-formed with a geometry that naturally conforms to the uterine cervix, allowing for safe engagement without requiring complex insertion maneuvers. The integrated light source provides preliminary visualization of surrounding organs before manipulation begins, enabling the surgeon to identify and avoid vulnerable structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated light source illuminates the surgical field, enabling visual detection of organ boundaries and vulnerable structures. This enhanced visualization allows the surgeon to distinguish between different tissues and avoid perforation of adjacent organs during manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

4Illumination intensity

If conventional uterine manipulators are used, then the uterus can be manipulated, but visualization of adjacent organs is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical field visualizationVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light source is merged with the handle assembly, combining the illumination function with the manipulation control in a single integrated unit. This merging provides enhanced visualization of the surgical field without adding separate illumination devices, maintaining relative device simplicity while improving surgical safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 faster, safer laparoscopic hysterectomy procedures with enhanced visualization and reduced risk of organ perforation, enabling single-handed operation and improved control over the device during surgery.

Implementation Method 1

A uterine manipulator device with a rectal probe featuring an illumination source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIllumination: Light

Data Source

PatentUS10881432B1Uterine manipulation device

Publication Date: 2021.01.05 LEAL JOSE GERARDO GARZA

AI summary

A uterine manipulator device useful for laparoscopic hysterectomy procedures or other minimally-invasive gynecologic procedures.