Biodegradable Nasal Splint for Septum Stabilization and Drug Elution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical therapies and devices often have limited local therapeutic benefit and can cause side effects or toxicity due to their prolonged presence in the body, necessitating the development of improved, biodegradable solutions for localized and controlled delivery of therapeutics.
Innovation Solution
A biodegradable nasal splint configured to stabilize a surgically corrected septum or exert a lateralizing force on an inferior turbinate, made from degradable materials that provide structural support and can elute active ingredients directly to the treatment site, reducing the risk of systemic side effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional non-biodegradable nasal splints are used, then structural support and therapeutic delivery are maintained, but the device causes prolonged exposure to foreign bodies leading to scarring, infection risk, and systemic toxicity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning the nasal splint material from non-biodegradable to biodegradable polymers, fundamentally changing the temporal parameter of device presence. The biodegradable material naturally degrades over time (typically 7-14 days), automatically reducing the duration of foreign body presence and eliminating the need for removal, thereby reducing scarring and infection risks associated with prolonged implantation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements the disposable principle by using biodegradable materials that are designed to fulfill their structural and therapeutic function temporarily, then naturally degrade and eliminate themselves. This short-lived design replaces permanent or long-term devices, reducing complications from prolonged presence while maintaining adequate support during the critical healing period.
2Quantity of substance
If systemically-administered therapeutics are used, then broad coverage is achieved, but collateral damage and side effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by incorporating therapeutic agents directly into the nasal splint material, creating a localized delivery system. The therapeutic is released directly at the treatment site (nasal passage) through diffusion or controlled elution, providing high local concentration where needed while minimizing systemic circulation and associated side effects. This transforms the delivery pattern from systemic to localized.
Solution Approach 2:
The nasal splint itself serves as an intermediary carrier that mediates therapeutic delivery. Rather than administering drug systemically, the splint acts as a local reservoir and controlled-release mechanism, releasing the therapeutic agent gradually at the target site. This intermediary approach enables precise local delivery while avoiding widespread systemic exposure.
3Ease of operation
If removable nasal splints are used, then device can be taken out when useful, but removal causes discomfort and potential tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the nasal splint to automatically degrade and eliminate itself through natural biodegradation processes. The device performs its own removal function by breaking down into harmless byproducts that are naturally absorbed or expelled by the body, eliminating the need for manual removal and associated discomfort or tissue damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The biodegradable nasal splint implements discarding by naturally decomposing after fulfilling its therapeutic and structural function. The material breaks down into soluble monomers or small molecules that can be metabolized or excreted, allowing the body to naturally recover and eliminate the device without surgical intervention or patient discomfort.
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 biodegradable nasal splint effectively stabilizes nasal structures and delivers therapeutic agents locally, minimizing side effects and promoting targeted healing while ensuring the device degrades naturally, avoiding the need for uncomfortable removal and reducing the risk of scarring and systemic toxicity.
Implementation Method 1
The polymer degrades via hydrolysis of ester bonds in the polymer backbone
Implementation Method 2
incorporated with or without a therapeutic agent for local, controlled delivery
Data Source
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AI summary
A biodegradable nasal splint, wherein the biodegradable nasal splint is configured for placement within a nasal passage so as to stabilize a surgically-corrected septum. A biodegradable nasal splint, wherein the biodegradable nasal splint is configured for placement within a nasal passage so as to exert a lateralizing force to an outfractured inferior turbinate. A method comprising performing a corrective procedure with respect to a patient's nasal passage, positioning a biodegradable nasal splint within the patient's nasal passage, wherein the biodegradable nasal splint is effective to exert a lateralizing force to an inferior turbinate, to stabilize a nasal septum, or combinations thereof.