Inflatable Balloon Nasal Airway Reshaping via Energy Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for addressing nasal valve insufficiency, such as surgical interventions and external nasal dilators, are invasive, uncomfortable, and do not effectively reduce airflow resistance, impacting quality of life for individuals with breathing difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an inflatable balloon and energy delivery member is used to reshape nasal airway tissues by inflating the balloon between the nasal septum and lateral wall, applying energy to deform tissues, and optionally delivering pharmaceuticals to reduce resistance and improve airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgical interventions are used to correct nasal valve inadequacy, then structural support and airflow resistance reduction are improved, but invasiveness and post-surgical discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional surgical mechanical interventions (grafts, sutures, incisions) with a non-invasive energy delivery system. An energy delivery catheter delivers controlled energy (radiofrequency, microwave, ultrasound, or optical) to heat and remodel nasal valve tissues in situ, eliminating the need for surgical implantation while achieving structural reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces energy as an intermediary mechanism to indirectly remodel tissues. Instead of directly manipulating tissues through surgical contact, energy delivery serves as a mediator that heats tissues to induce collagen contraction and tissue tightening, achieving structural support without physical surgical intervention.
2Ease of operation
If external nasal dilators are used temporarily, then ease of application is improved, but effectiveness in reducing airflow resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical external dilators with an energy-based tissue remodelling system. Instead of relying on external mechanical forces that provide temporary relief, the energy delivery system permanently remodels nasal valve tissues to reduce airflow resistance, combining the ease of non-invasive application with lasting therapeutic effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary tissue remodelling before the actual breathing improvement is needed. By delivering energy to heat and contract collagen fibers in advance, the nasal valve structure is permanently strengthened, providing ongoing airflow improvement rather than temporary mechanical assistance.
3Shape
If invasive surgical methods are used to reshape nasal tissues, then tissue deformation and airflow improvement are achieved, but patient comfort and treatment safety worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical surgical reshaping with energy-based thermal remodelling. Energy delivery (radiofrequency, microwave, ultrasound, or optical) heats nasal valve tissues to induce collagen contraction and tissue tightening, achieving shape change without surgical incisions, grafts, or mechanical manipulation that cause patient discomfort and safety risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of nasal tissues through controlled energy-induced heating. By delivering energy to raise tissue temperature to specific ranges (e.g., 60-90°C for collagen contraction), the patent achieves permanent tissue remodelling and shape change without the mechanical trauma of surgery, improving patient comfort and safety.
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 method effectively reduces airflow resistance by reshaping nasal tissues, allowing for improved breathing without invasive surgery, and can be used to treat various airway conditions like chronic rhinitis and nasal congestion.
Implementation Method 1
positioning an inflatable balloon within the nasal airway adjacent to nasal tissue to be treated, inflating the inflatable balloon to an inflated configuration, to apply sufficient force to the nasal tissue to alter a shape of the nasal tissue
Implementation Method 2
delivering energy from an energy delivery member attached to or inside of the inflatable balloon
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reshaping a nasal airway in a patient involves advancing an inflatable balloon of a reshaping device in an uninflated configuration into a nostril of the patient and between a nasal septum and a lateral wall of the nasal airway. The method then involves inflating the inflatable balloon to an inflated configuration to cause the inflatable balloon to contact nasal mucosa covering the nasal septum and the lateral wall, delivering energy from an energy delivery member attached to or inside of the inflatable balloon, and removing the reshaping device from the nasal airway.