Uterine hemorrhage controlling system and method

Inventors

Norred, Alexander James • Carlin, Davis Reed • Harper, George Cochran • Lagrew, JR., David C. • Degenkolb, Amelia Michele

Assignees

Alydia Health Inc

Abstract

An embodiment of a uterine hemorrhage controlling system comprises a suction module including a suction end coupleable to a pump by a connecting tube, and a sealing module coupled to the suction module. The system may further comprise the pump and a filter coupled to the suction module. A uterine hemorrhage controlling method comprises: shielding a suction module that has been delivered into a uterus; sealing an entrance into the uterus while the suction module is situated within the uterus; applying a negative pressure within the uterus upon activation of a pump; and maintaining the negative pressure within the uterus to induce uterine contraction. The method may further comprise delivering the suction module into the uterus; transmitting bodily fluids, out of the uterus through the suction module, and filtering the bodily fluids.

Core Innovation

The described invention is an anti-hemorrhaging device intended to be placed within a uterus, using a tubular distal section having a distal inner channel and an outer tubular wall. The tubular distal section includes at least one hole extending from the distal inner channel through the outer tubular wall to create at least one opening along an outer surface. A proximal section has a proximal inner channel fluidically connected to the distal inner channel and is configured to attach to a vacuum source.

When the vacuum source is activated, vacuum is pulled through the proximal and distal inner channels and through the at least one hole so as to collapse the uterus. A shield is coupled to and extends at least partially axially along the tubular distal section, diverging outward and being spaced radially away from the at least one opening. The shield is configured to prevent tissue from occluding the at least one hole when vacuum is applied.

In the disclosed system and method context, the device is delivered transvaginally such that a suction module applies negative pressure in the uterus to induce uterine contraction, including for an atonic uterus associated with postpartum hemorrhage. A sealing module seals an entrance into the uterus/vagina while the suction module is in place, and the suction module includes a suction end coupled by a connecting tube to a pump. The system further includes a shield to prevent tissue from obstructing suction openings and a filter to remove bodily fluids before the pump.

The method context also describes shielding the suction module, sealing the uterine/vaginal entrance, coupling to a pump, and applying and maintaining negative pressure so that the uterus contracts in response to vacuum. The arrangement transmits bodily fluids through the suction module with filtering, and can include obstructing the suction-pump connection to retain negative pressure after pump deactivation. The provided description focuses on preventing occlusion of openings by tissue while vacuum is applied and enabling controlled evacuation under vacuum.

Claims Coverage

The partial content supports two independent anti-hemorrhaging device claims, each centered on a tubular distal section with holes connected to a vacuum source to collapse a uterus, combined with a shield that prevents tissue occluding the openings. Across the supported claim set, at least four main inventive features are repeatedly recited: vacuum-driven uterine collapse via inner channels and through-wall holes, a tissue-protecting shield spaced from or positioned relative to the openings, and optional refinements such as sealing and fluid collection.

Both independent claims cover uterine collapse produced by vacuum pulled through connected inner channels and at least one through-wall hole, combined with a shield designed to prevent tissue occluding the openings. The dependent claim set further refines the shield arrangement and adds optional features including a seal for uterine sealing and a collection container for fluids removed under vacuum.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications