Reimagined Tenaculum

Abstract

Cervical stabilization during gynecological procedures commonly relies on traditional tenacula, which use sharp hooks to grasp tissue. The current tenaculum, modeled after a civil-war era device designed to extract bullets from soldiers’ bodies, is often associated with tissue trauma, bleeding, and severe pain. There is a clear clinical need for a less invasive solution that maintains secure tissue manipulation while reducing the risk of injury and improving the overall patient experience.

This project presents a reimagined tenaculum featuring saddle-shaped tips designed to distribute pressure evenly across tissue rather than piercing it. This atraumatic geometry increases surface contact and reduces stress concentrations at a single point. Iterative prototyping was conducted using CAD modeling and 3D printing, enabling refinement of tip curvature, force distribution, and usability. Design decisions were guided by clinical considerations, manufacturability, and user interaction. Additional emphasis was placed on ensuring compatibility with standard surgical workflows to support potential clinical adoption without requiring major changes in technique.

Prototype evaluation demonstrated that the saddle-shaped tips achieved stable, non-penetrating tissue engagement with significantly reduced visible trauma compared to traditional hook-based designs. While sustained grip performance over extended durations remains an area for further optimization, the device consistently maintained initial grip and improved tissue preservation. These findings indicate meaningful progress toward balancing atraumatic interaction with functional stability.

This work highlights the potential to improve patient safety and comfort through redesign of standard surgical tools. The proposed device provides a strong foundation for continued development, with opportunities for refinement, validation, and eventual clinical adoption in minimally invasive gynecological care. Future iterations will focus on optimizing retention force while preserving the atraumatic benefits of the saddle-shaped interface.

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