Vasectomy Device Clamping and Coagulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vasectomy procedures are prone to complications such as hematomas, swelling, spontaneous reconnection of the vas deferens, and prolonged recovery, requiring skilled surgeons and exposing clinicians to bodily fluids, especially in HIV+ patients.
Innovation Solution
A novel vasectomy method and device that uses a clamping instrument with arcuate jaws and electrosurgical capabilities to quickly and minimally invasively isolate and coagulate the vas deferens, reducing tissue dissection and bleeding, and allowing immediate post-surgical activity with reduced risk of fluid exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional vasectomy procedures are performed with multiple discrete steps including dissection and extraction, then the vas deferens can be interrupted, but the risk of hematomas and swelling increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete surgical steps (clamping, cutting, and sealing) into a single integrated device that performs all functions in one continuous motion, eliminating the need for separate dissection and extraction steps that cause tissue trauma and bleeding
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the vas deferens from the surgical field by pulling it through the device and discarding it outside the body, eliminating the need for complex dissection and extraction steps that expose clinicians to bodily fluids and increase hematoma risk
2Reliability
If conventional vasectomy procedures involve extensive dissection to remove tissue between cut ends, then the possibility of vas reconnection is minimized, but the procedure time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device integrates clamping, cutting, and sealing functions in a single instrument that removes a sufficient length of vas deferens in one action, eliminating the need for additional dissection steps to ensure adequate tissue removal while maintaining prevention of reconnection
Solution Approach 2:
The device is pre-configured with clamps and cutting elements positioned to automatically remove the appropriate length of vas deferens during a single passing motion, eliminating the need for measured dissection and multiple adjustment steps
3Reliability
If conventional vasectomy procedures require multiple surgical steps, then the vas deferens can be interrupted, but the exposure to bodily fluids and risk to clinicians increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts the vas deferens from the surgical field and discards it outside the body through a controlled mechanism, minimizing the time the vas and associated bodily fluids are exposed during the procedure and reducing clinician exposure risk
Solution Approach 2:
All functions (clamping, cutting, sealing, and removal) are performed in a single continuous motion without opening the surgical field or exposing the vas to the environment, eliminating multiple exposure opportunities present in conventional step-by-step procedures
4Reliability
If conventional vasectomy procedures use multiple discrete steps, then the vas deferens can be ligated, but the recovery period is prolonged and post-surgical activity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs clamping, cutting, sealing, and removal in one integrated action, creating a clean precise incision with immediate hemostasis that minimizes tissue trauma and allows faster healing compared to multiple discrete surgical steps
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a controlled mechanical cutting and sealing mechanism that creates precise, clean incisions with minimal tissue disruption, replacing the more traumatic conventional surgical dissection and ligation techniques that require longer recovery
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
The method significantly reduces complications, allows for quicker recovery, minimizes the risk of vas deferens reconnection, and safely performs vasectomies with minimal risk to clinicians, even on HIV+ patients, by simplifying the procedure and reducing exposure to bodily fluids.
Implementation Method 1
electrosurgical capabilities to quickly and minimally invasively isolate and coagulate the vas deferens
Data Source
AI summary
Conventional vasectomy techniques suffer from a number of disadvantages, including, for example, a substantial risk for the development of hematomas and swelling, a potential for spontaneous regeneration and undesired resumption of fertility, a need for a highly skilled surgical professional, as well as a long recovery period, accompanied by severe limitations on post-surgical activity. The invention disclosed herein overcomes the disadvantages and deficiencies of the prior art by providing a rapid, reliable, less invasive male sterilization procedure as well as a vasectomy device and kit for use therewith.