Uvula Excision Device with Integrated Blade and Capture Net

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current uvulectomy procedures require three separate instruments for transection, retrieval, and removal of the uvula, increasing the risk of airway compromise due to the need for a third instrument to grasp the uvula post-severing.

Innovation Solution

A handheld surgical excision device with a built-in blade for severing the uvula and an attached net for capturing and removing it, eliminating the need for a third instrument in the mouth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If three separate instruments are used for uvulectomy, then the procedure can be performed with traditional methods, but the device complexity increases and the risk of airway compromise increases due to needing a third instrument to grasp the uvula

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverisk of airway compromiseVSAvoidnumber of instruments required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the severing function (blade) and retrieval function (net) into a single integrated uvulectomy device. The blade is positioned to sever the uvula while the net is simultaneously positioned to capture and retrieve the severed uvula, eliminating the need for a third instrument and reducing the risk of airway compromise

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single device performs multiple functions: the blade component severs the uvula while the net component captures and retrieves it. This multi-functional design replaces three separate instruments (tongue depressor, severing instrument, and retrieval instrument) with one unified device that completes the entire uvulectomy procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If three separate instruments are used, then traditional surgical methods can be applied, but the ease of operation decreases due to the difficulty of coordinating multiple instruments in the mouth

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of performing uvulectomyVSAvoidnumber of instruments required

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the severing and retrieval functions into one device, the surgeon no longer needs to coordinate three separate instruments simultaneously. The integrated design allows for simpler operation with one hand while maintaining control over both the cutting and retrieval actions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The net is pre-positioned and configured to automatically capture the uvula upon severing. This preliminary positioning of the retrieval mechanism eliminates the need for the surgeon to manually grasp the uvula after cutting, simplifying the operational sequence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9888938B1Uvula excision device and method of use

Publication Date: 2018.02.13 THE SNORING CENT

AI summary

Disclosed herein are embodiments and methods of use for a surgical excision device which contains a disposable handheld instrument with a blade for severing a uvula and an attached net for capturing and removing the uvula.