Uterine Manipulator with Ring-String Retrieval and Slit Stabilizer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional uterine manipulators face issues such as imprecise fornix delineation, vaginal shortening, abdominal deflation, and loss of pneumoperitoneum during surgical procedures, along with challenges in device insertion and retrieval, leading to potential tissue damage and organ dissection inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
The development of a uterine manipulator system that includes a fornix delineator, uterine shaft, outer tube, fastener, handle, inlet, tip, ring, and occluder, which features a ring and string system for atraumatic retrieval and a stabilizer with slits to prevent pneumoperitoneum loss, ensuring precise delineation and secure device placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional uterine manipulators are used to manipulate the fornix, then device insertion and retrieval can be performed, but imprecise fornix delineation and deviation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional components: a fornix delineator portion with collar and stabilizer for precise anatomical definition, a uterine shaft for manipulation, and a handle for control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the delineator providing precise fornix visualization while the shaft enables controlled manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fornix delineator acts as an intermediary structure between the manipulator shaft and the fornix tissue. The collar and stabilizer components create a platform that defines the fornix anatomy, serving as a mediator that improves delineation precision while the shaft transmits manipulation forces.
2Ease of operation
If conventional uterine manipulators are used for device insertion and retrieval, then access can be obtained, but vaginal shortening and abdominal deflation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device includes pre-configured components for safe retrieval: a retrieval ring attached to the shaft with a string that extends through the vagina to the external surface. This preliminary arrangement of retrieval elements allows for controlled removal without sudden movements that could cause vaginal shortening or abdominal deflation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates self-retrieving features through the ring-string mechanism that externally controls internal device removal. The string extends to the external surface, allowing the device to be retrieved by pulling the external string without requiring internal manipulation, thereby preventing harmful effects.
3Ease of operation
If conventional uterine manipulators are used for cervical retrieval, then access can be achieved, but blind cervical retrieval and tissue damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The fornix delineator provides visual definition of the fornix anatomy, creating a visible platform that guides safe device insertion and cervical access. This visual enhancement eliminates blind manipulation by allowing the surgeon to see the anatomical landmarks.
Solution Approach 2:
The device replaces blind mechanical manipulation with visual guidance through the fornix delineator platform. The collar and stabilizer create a visible reference structure that substitutes for tactile-only navigation, enabling precise cervical access without tissue damage.
4Ease of operation
If conventional uterine manipulators are used during organ dissection, then manipulation can be performed, but lack of platform for organ dissection occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The fornix delineator with collar and stabilizer serves multiple functions: it defines the fornix anatomy, provides a stable platform for organ dissection, and maintains structural integrity during manipulation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dissection platforms while enabling safe organ dissection.
5Reliability
If conventional uterine manipulators are used during surgery, then device function can be performed, but loss of pneumoperitoneum occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The device converts the potential harm of structural instability into a benefit by using the collar and stabilizer to create a rigid platform that prevents unintended movements. This stabilized structure prevents pneumoperitoneum loss by maintaining consistent positioning without sudden shifts that could breach the abdominal cavity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclose uterine manipulators, dye delivery systems and fornix delineators that address several issues, such as minimizing surgical error, minimizing loss of parts inside a patients, enabling easy manipulation of a patient's anatomy, securing and removing the device into and from the patient atraumatically, preventing loss of pnuemoperitoneum, and securing the device fastener and components efficiently and atraumatically. An embodiment includes a uterine manipulator having a fornix delineator, uterine shaft, outer tube, fastener, handle, inlet, tip, ring and connecting string, and/or occluder.