Braided Nasal Stent With Elastic Fixation Section

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing nasal stents require individual adjustment for each nasal passage, are uncomfortable to introduce, and may not reliably keep the nasal passage open.

Innovation Solution

A braided tubular stent with a fixation section that is elastically deformable and nestles to the nasal passage, providing even pressure without discomfort, and can be easily introduced with a coupling element for secure placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing nasal stents are used, then the nasal passage can be kept open, but individual adjustment is required for each nasal passage which increases complexity and time consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffectiveness of keeping nasal passage openVSAvoidindividual adjustment requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stent is designed with a universal structure that can be used for different nasal passage sizes and shapes without requiring individual adjustment. The compression member can be compressed to different degrees and the retention member can be positioned at different depths, allowing the same stent design to accommodate various patients while maintaining reliability in keeping the nasal passage open.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The stent utilizes parameter changes through the compression member which can be compressed to different extents and the retention member which can be positioned at different distances from the nostril opening. These adjustable parameters allow the stent to adapt to different nasal passage dimensions without requiring custom fabrication for each patient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If existing nasal stents are introduced, then the nasal passage can be splinted, but the introduction process is uncomfortable and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenasal passage splintingVSAvoidintroduction comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The stent employs a nested structure where the retention member is received within the compression member. This nested configuration allows the entire stent assembly to be compact and easy to introduce through the nostril, reducing patient discomfort while ensuring reliable nasal passage splinting once deployed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The stent transitions from a compressed state during introduction to an expanded state during use. The compression member can be compressed for easy insertion and then expands to provide effective splinting. This dynamic transformation improves ease of operation during introduction while maintaining reliability of the splinting function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the stent is made elastically deformable to nestle to the nasal passage, then comfort is improved, but the stent may move towards the throat

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatient comfortVSAvoidstent position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The compression member is made of an elastic material that can deform and nestle to the contours of the nasal passage, providing patient comfort. The material flexibility allows the stent to conform to the nasal passage shape while the retention member prevents unwanted movement towards the throat.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The retention member is specifically designed to counteract the tendency of the elastic compression member to move towards the throat. By providing a mechanical stop or anchor point, the retention member prevents the compression member from migrating deeper into the nasal passage, thus maintaining stable positioning while preserving patient comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 stent effectively keeps the nasal passage open without individual adjustment, ensuring comfort and reliability across various nasal shapes and sizes, preventing movement towards the throat and allowing easy removal.

Implementation Method 1

A braided tubular stent with a fixation section that is elastically deformable and nestles to the nasal passage, providing even pressure without discomfort

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11116950B2Stent for splinting a nasal passage
Publication Date: 2021.09.14 DUERING KLAUS
  • US11116950B2 patent drawing
  • US11116950B2 patent drawing
  • US11116950B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a stent for splinting a nasal passage. The stent consists of a braided tubular support body which, in unloaded state, has a diameter of at least 4 mm and a length in the range of 25 to 120 mm and particularly of 25 to 100 mm. The stent may have a widened section at the proximal end for splinting of the nasal alar. It may alternatively or in combination have a fixation section at the proximal end of the stent for fixation of the stent in a nasal passage of a user. When fixed the fixation section protrudes from the nostril of the user and can be fixed outside of the nose.