Bioabsorbable Hemostatic Tenaculum Cap: A Revolution in Post-Procedure Recovery

The Bioabsorbable Hemostatic Tenaculum Cap represents a pioneering advancement in gynecological surgical instruments, designed to significantly reduce tissue trauma and bleeding through a biocompatible, absorbable protective covering for tenaculum forceps.

Description

This technology involves a specialized cap engineered to fit securely over the pointed teeth of a tenaculum, a tool commonly employed in gynecological procedures to grasp and stabilize tissue. Traditional tenacula utilize sharp hooks or teeth that penetrate tissue, frequently causing bleeding, patient discomfort, and extended procedural durations. The proposed invention introduces a cap fabricated from bioabsorbable or biocompatible materials that envelops the tenaculum’s sharp points, thereby preventing tissue puncture wounds while maintaining adequate grip and functionality. The cap features a conical geometry with an internal cavity tailored to snugly accommodate the tenaculum’s barb structure. Upon application in surgical procedures, the bioabsorbable material gradually degrades and is resorbed by the body, eliminating the need for removal and minimizing postoperative complications. The design incorporates various material compositions optimized for biocompatibility and absorption rate, ensuring structural integrity during the intervention and complete bioabsorption thereafter. Such material selection also contributes to the hemostatic properties of the cap, promoting clot formation at the interface and further mitigating bleeding.

Applications

- Use in gynecological procedures requiring tissue fixation, such as cervical biopsies, intrauterine device insertions, and endometrial sampling.
- Integration in minimally invasive surgeries where reduction of bleeding is critical to improving visualization and reducing procedure time.
- Application during obstetric interventions where delicate tissue handling is mandatory to prevent trauma and subsequent complications.
- Adaptation for use with varying tenaculum designs and sizes, allowing versatility across different surgical tools and procedural requirements.
- Potential for use in related surgical fields requiring temporary yet secure tissue grasping while minimizing iatrogenic injury.

Advantages

- Reduction of Bleeding and Tissue Trauma: By covering the sharp tenaculum points, the cap significantly decreases puncture-related bleeding and tissue injury, enhancing patient comfort and safety.
- Bioabsorbable Composition: The absorbable nature of the cap obviates the necessity for removal or additional interventions, reducing surgical complexity and postoperative care.
- Improved Procedural Efficiency: Minimizing bleeding enhances surgical field visibility and reduces operative time, contributing to better overall procedural outcomes.
- Compatibility and Versatility: Designed to fit conventional tenaculum devices, the cap can be implemented without requiring changes to existing surgical instruments or protocols.
- Hemostatic Effect: Material properties promote localized clotting and hemostasis in conjunction with mechanical protection, providing dual-functionality within a single device.
- Enhanced Patient Outcomes: Reduction of discomfort and potential complications associated with tenaculum use contributes to higher patient satisfaction and quicker recovery.

Invention Readiness

The Bioabsorbable Hemostatic Tenaculum Cap has progressed through detailed design and material selection stages, supported by empirical testing that validates its functional performance in reducing bleeding during simulated gynecological procedures. The data generated affirm the cap’s effective fit, biocompatibility, and bioabsorption profiles. Further studies focusing on in vivo biocompatibility, long-term absorption kinetics, and clinical assessment in human subjects are planned to optimize material formulations and confirm clinical safety and efficacy before widespread adoption.

IP Status

Patent Pending

Quick Facts:
Reference Number
07199
Technology Type
Medical Device
Technology Subtype
Surgical Medical Device
Therapeutic Areas
Reproductive Health
Therapeutic Indications
Obstetrics
Tags
BiomaterialMinimally invasiveSurgeryWomen's Health
Lead Inventor
Sophya Breedlove
Department
Bioengineering
All Tech Innovators
Sophya BreedloveGregory Zemtsov
Technology Readiness Level
3. Prototype development
Date Submitted
2025-05-30
Collections
Women's & Reproductive Health