Vaginal Cuff Closure Tool with Deployable Probes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The closure of the vaginal cuff during hysterectomy procedures is challenging due to the lack of effective tools that assist in tissue closure and prevent insufflation escape, with existing devices often requiring skilled manipulation to avoid damaging surrounding structures like the bladder.
Innovation Solution
A hollow sleeve member with deployable probes and tissue manipulators that reduce the lateral space between probe ends, allowing for axial movement to bring tissue portions together, facilitating easier suturing and closure of the vaginal cuff.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional suturing methods are used to close the vaginal cuff, then the surgeon has direct control over the suturing process, but the procedure becomes highly complex and time-consuming due to the need for skilled manipulation to avoid damaging surrounding structures
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the suturing function into distinct components: a hollow sleeve member that provides structural support and defines the closure path, and multiple probes with tissue manipulators that can be independently positioned and controlled to grasp and approximate tissue edges along the cuff circumference
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow sleeve member acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates tissue approximation by providing a rigid framework within which the probes can manipulate tissue. The sleeve member translates complex manual suturing motions into simplified probe movements, reducing the skill requirement while maintaining safety
2Reliability
If a sponge filled glove is placed within the vaginal cavity to achieve a seal, then insufflation can be reinstated in the pelvic cavity, but the vaginal cuff moves into a rounder, more irregular shape that complicates closure
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow sleeve member is inserted and positioned within the vaginal cuff before the closure procedure begins. This preliminary placement establishes a predetermined circular closure path and maintains the cuff in a manageable shape throughout the procedure, preventing the irregular distortion that occurs with sponge-filled glove insertion
3Ease of operation
If the vaginal cuff is sutured closed manually, then the surgeon can control the suturing process, but the peritoneal fold masks the vaginal cuff opening and the bladder poses risks during manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow sleeve member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a rigid framework for tissue approximation, defines the precise closure path, protects surrounding structures like the bladder by establishing safe working boundaries, and maintains visibility of the vaginal cuff opening despite the presence of peritoneal folds
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a hollow sleeve member with an open interior section and a sleeve proximal and a sleeve distal end. Two or more probes are disposed within the open interior section and extending beyond the sleeve distal end when in a deployed position. Distal ends of the probes have a lateral space between each other. One or more tissue manipulators are disposed at the distal end of each of the at least two probes. The hollow sleeve member and the two or more probes move axially relative to each other to reduce the lateral space. A method of closing a vaginal cuff of a vaginal canal is also provided.