Balloon Dilation Device With Sensor Coil Electromagnetic Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current balloon dilation devices for sinus and Eustachian tube dilation require invasive guide wires and rely on visual cues for positioning, which can be cumbersome and time-consuming, lacking precise navigation and orientation determination.
Innovation Solution
A balloon dilation device equipped with at least one sensor coil that captures an electromagnetic field, allowing for position and orientation determination using an electromagnetic position detection system, enabling precise tracking and visualization of the device's position within the body during minimally invasive procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If guide wires with light sources are used for positioning, then the surgeon can visually track the guide wire tip through skin, but the positioning process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical tracking system (light sources at guide wire tips) with an electromagnetic tracking system using sensor coils. The sensor coils capture electromagnetic fields to determine position and orientation, eliminating the need for visual tracking through skin and reducing positioning time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary between the positioning device and the detection system. Sensor coils on the balloon dilation device interact with electromagnetic fields to provide precise position and orientation data, serving as a mediator that enables accurate tracking without direct visual observation.
2Reliability
If multiple guide wires and visual cues are used for positioning, then the surgeon can locate sinus cavities, but the number of steps required for positioning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning function from the guide wire and integrates it directly into the balloon dilation device through sensor coils. This eliminates the need for separate guide wires with light sources and reduces the number of positioning steps while maintaining reliability through direct electromagnetic field-based position and orientation determination.
3Loss of information
If traditional balloon catheters without sensors are used, then the device structure remains simple, but real-time position and orientation feedback is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by equipping the balloon dilation device with sensor coils that capture electromagnetic fields to determine position and orientation in real-time. This provides continuous positional information feedback to the surgeon, enabling precise navigation and control of the device during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor coils serve multiple functions: they determine both position and orientation of the balloon dilation device, providing comprehensive spatial information. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensing components while delivering complete positional feedback.
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
This solution reduces the number of steps required for positioning the balloon dilation device, shortens surgery time, and allows for more accurate placement by providing real-time positional feedback, enhancing the precision and efficiency of sinus and Eustachian tube dilation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one sensor coil is configured for capturing an electromagnetic field and for providing a sensor coil signal representing position and orientation of the sensor coil
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention related to a balloon dilation device having a distal end and a proximal end. The balloon dilation device comprises a handle, a shaft, an inflatable balloon and at least one sensor coil. The handle extends from the proximal end of the balloon dilation device towards the distal end of the balloon dilation device. The shaft extends from the distal end of the balloon dilation device towards the proximal end of the balloon dilation device, said shaft having an inflation lumen. The inflatable balloon is fixedly arranged at the shaft. The balloon is fluidly connected to the inflation lumen such that the balloon can be inflated and deflated by feeding a fluid through the inflation lumen into the balloon. The at least one sensor coil is arranged at the shaft. The at least one sensor coil is configured for capturing an electromagnetic field and for providing a sensor coil signal representing position and orientation of the sensor coil.