Balloon Catheter Dilation for Ethmoid Sinus Drainage

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for dilating anatomical passageways, such as those in the sinuses, often require invasive procedures like ethmoidectomy, which can cause damage to surrounding structures and are not effective in improving fluid communication without removing significant mucosa or bone.

Innovation Solution

A dilation catheter system comprising a guidewire with illumination and a balloon catheter, used in conjunction with an endoscope for precise visualization, allows for the dilation of anatomical passageways by inflating a balloon to remodel bone and improve drainage and ventilation without invasive incisions or bone removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If ethmoidectomy is performed to treat sinusitis, then drainage improvement is achieved, but tissue damage and invasive procedures increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrainage improvementVSAvoidtissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state and properties of the balloon catheter by inflating it with fluid to increase its volume and apply radial force against the bone, transforming a passive guide wire into an active dilation tool that remodels bone structure through controlled mechanical pressure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical bone removal (ethmoidectomy) with a balloon-based remodeling mechanism that uses controlled expansion forces to create drainage pathways without physically removing bone or mucosa, thereby reducing tissue damage while achieving drainage improvement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If guide wire illumination is added to confirm positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an illuminating guidewire as an intermediary tool that bridges the gap between the internal balloon positioning and external visualization, allowing the operator to confirm proper positioning through transcutaneous light projection without requiring complex internal imaging systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses light emission (optical property change) from the distal end of the guidewire to provide visual feedback about positioning status, transforming the invisible internal position into a visible external signal that confirms accurate balloon placement before inflation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Productivity

If balloon inflation is used to dilate passageways, then drainage is improved without bone removal, but force application precision must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrainage improvementVSAvoidforce application precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary positioning of the balloon catheter along the guidewire under endoscopic visualization before inflation, ensuring the balloon is correctly positioned at the target location and oriented properly to apply force in the desired direction, thereby preventing imprecise force application during inflation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses endoscopic visualization and illuminating guidewire feedback to continuously monitor balloon position during the procedure, allowing real-time adjustment to ensure precise force application and prevent deviation from the intended treatment path

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 system effectively dilates anatomical passageways, improving drainage and ventilation while minimizing tissue damage and avoiding invasive procedures, thus providing a safer and more effective treatment for conditions like sinusitis.

Implementation Method 1

inflating the balloon with a fluid (e.g., saline) to dilate the anatomical passageway... the balloon may then be inflated, to thereby dilate the ostium by remodeling the bone adjacent to the ostium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadial force: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

Such a guidewire may be positioned within the target area and then illuminated, with light projecting from the distal end of the guidewire. This light may illuminate the adjacent tissue and thus be visible to the naked eye from outside the patient through transcutaneous illumination

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight projection: Light

Data Source

PatentUS9433437B2Apparatus and method for treatment of ethmoid sinusitis

Publication Date: 2016.09.06 ACCLARENT INC

AI summary

Fluid communication may be improved for an ethmoid sinus by installing a port or wick in the wall of the ethmoid sinus to provide a fluid passageway across the wall of the ethmoid sinus. Fluid communication for an ethmoid sinus may also be improved by inflating a balloon in a retrobullar space, remodeling the posterior wall of the ethmoid bulla to expand the transition area in the retrobullar space. In addition, a wall defining the retrobullar space may be pierced to provide a passageway for fluid communication.