Dr. Thomas M. Julian – Client Professor Mitch Tyler – Advisor Anna Moeller– Team leader Tyler Witt – BWIG Gina Stuessy – Communications Kailey Feyereisen– BSAC

 Tubal ligation is a permanent form of birth control in women  “Tubes Tied”  Eggs are prevented from reaching the uterus  Laparoscopic surgery  Procedure reversible, but difficult  One million performed a year  Falope Ring Band ® ◦ Tears fallopian tube ◦ Fails to release bands properly

Tube is drawn inside of device with forceps Band is then pushed off the end and the tube is released

 Our client asked us to design a laparoscopic banding device for tubal sterilization that is less cumbersome, traumatic, and inaccurate than the device he currently uses.

 Band release accuracy above 90%  Device is sterile and inert  Column must be 7.5mm in diameter  Handle similar to current device  Separator should be resorbable  Damage to fallopian tube must be minimal  Device must secure fallopian tube throughout procedure

 Suction Mechanism ◦ Gentler on fallopian tube ◦ Secure hold during band release  Band Release ◦ Threaded knob releases bands more accurately ◦ Resorbable separator between bands to ensure proper release

 Spring Mechanism ◦ Controlled insertion/removal of syringe  Threaded Knob ◦ Accurate release of bands

 3D CAD Model

FIXED BAND TRANSFERRED TO INSTRUMENT

 Pros ◦ Increased user control ◦ Compatible with currently available instruments (i.e. trochar, bands, band loader, laparoscopic port) ◦ Familiar design ◦ Gentler on fallopian tubes ◦ Easier band loader  Cons ◦ Some learning of instrument function necessary

 Suction testing on sheep fallopian tubes ◦ Little damage ◦ Secure hold  Band release ◦ Separate release 100% of time  Separator ◦ Gelatin separator failed

 Suction testing ◦ Secure ends of sheep fallopian tube and apply suction ◦ Determine adequate contact angle  Banding ◦ Ensure bands release separately ◦ Test for complete occlusion  Procedure reversal ◦ Remove bands and inspect for damage  Band loader ◦ Determine ease of use of new loader

 Apply for patent  Build device to load bands  Complete testing procedure  Test device on live sheep  Acquire FDA approval

This design has promise to be less traumatic, more reliable, and easier to use than the current devices on the market. In the following months we will test the device on sheep fallopian tubes. We hope to pursue this project through the summer pending grant approval.

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