Bendable Balloon Catheter with Endoscopic Camera for Sinus Dilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sinusitis treatment methods require radioscopy for precise positioning of balloon catheters, which exposes patients to X-rays and is not minimally invasive.
Innovation Solution
A balloon catheter device with a selectively bendable portion, a control device for bending, and a camera at the distal end, allowing for easy positioning and inflation within the nasal cavity without radioscopy, using a CCD camera and LED light for visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radioscopy is used for positioning the balloon catheter, then positioning precision is improved, but patient exposure to X-rays increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the radioscopic imaging system with an endoscopic camera system. The camera is inserted through the nasal cavity to directly visualize the sinus ostium and guide balloon catheter positioning, eliminating the need for X-ray radiation while maintaining precise anatomical visualization and positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary camera system as a mediator between the operator and the target anatomy. Instead of relying on indirect radioscopic images, the camera provides direct visual feedback through the nasal cavity, serving as an intermediary that guides the procedure without requiring ionizing radiation.
2Strength
If a rigid balloon catheter is used, then structural strength is improved, but adaptability to different sinus ostia positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon catheter is divided into multiple segments or sections that can be independently positioned and inflated. This segmentation allows the catheter to adapt to different orientations and positions of sinus ostia (frontal, maxillary, ethmoidal) while maintaining sufficient structural strength in each segment to perform the dilation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic elements into the balloon catheter design, such as adjustable articulation or bendability, allowing the catheter to change its configuration to match the anatomical orientation of different sinus ostia. This dynamic adaptability enables the same catheter structure to effectively treat various sinus locations without compromising the strength needed for dilation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for use with a balloon catheter device that includes a selectively bendable portion with a balloon disposed thereon, a control device for controlling bending of the selectively bendable portion, and a camera located at an end of a distal portion, includes inserting the distal portion into the nostril while the distal portion is straight; viewing an image provided by the camera; stopping insertion of the distal portion after the ethmoidal bulla is viewed in the image; articulating the distal portion in an upward direction to view the opening to the frontal sinus ostium or a downward direction to view the opening to the maxillary sinus ostium using the control device; inserting the distal portion into the frontal sinus ostium or the maxillary sinus ostium while the distal portion remains in the bent position; and inflating the balloon in the frontal sinus ostium or the maxillary sinus ostium.