Bulbous Tip Dilation Catheter for Sinus and Eustachian Tube Procedures

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dilation systems for anatomical passageways, such as those in the ear, nose, or throat, lack a versatile solution that can effectively transition between different procedural modes for Eustachian tube and sinus ostium dilation without causing damage to delicate anatomical structures.

Innovation Solution

A dilation catheter system that includes a flexible shaft with a bulbous tip at the distal end, which is removably secured and can transition between two structural modes: one with an enlarged bulbous tip for Eustachian tube dilation and another without for sinus ostium dilation, allowing for the same catheter to be used in both procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single catheter is used for both Eustachian tube and sinus ostium dilation, then device versatility is improved, but the risk of accidentally traversing sensitive structures increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter versatilityVSAvoiddamage to sensitive structures

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter is divided into separable components: a reusable shaft and a disposable bulbous tip. The bulbous tip can be removed and replaced, allowing the same shaft to be used for different procedures with different tips, thus achieving versatility while maintaining safety through component segmentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bulbous tip changes the geometric parameter (outer diameter) of the catheter distal end. By using a tip with a larger outer diameter for Eustachian tube procedures and a smaller tip for sinus ostium procedures, the system adapts to different anatomical requirements while preventing traversal of sensitive structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a bulbous tip is added to the catheter for Eustachian tube dilation, then procedural safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedural safetyVSAvoidcatheter structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bulbous tip is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after use, while the shaft is recovered and reused. This approach simplifies the overall system by eliminating the need for complex sterilization and reconfiguration processes, maintaining safety while reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 system enables safe and effective dilation of both Eustachian tubes and sinus ostia using a single catheter, preventing accidental traversal of sensitive structures and facilitating efficient procedural transitions.

Implementation Method 1

inflating the balloon with a fluid (e.g., saline) to dilate the anatomical passageway

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInflation:

Implementation Method 2

the bulbous tip is too large to pass through an isthmus of a Eustachian tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical engagement: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS20250041573A1Dilation catheter with bulbous tip

Publication Date: 2025.02.06 ACCLARENT INC

AI summary

A dilation catheter apparatus includes a shaft, an expandable dilation member, and a bulbous tip. The shaft has a first outer cross-sectional dimension. The dilation member is positioned proximal to the distal end of the shaft. The dilation member is operable to transition between a non-expanded configuration and an expanded configuration. The dilation member is sized to pass through a passageway associated with drainage of a paranasal sinus or a Eustachian tube when the dilation member is in the non-expanded configuration. The bulbous tip is positioned at the distal end of the shaft. The bulbous tip is distal to the dilation member. The bulbous tip has a second outer cross-sectional dimension. The second outer cross-sectional dimension is larger than the first outer cross-sectional dimension. The bulbous tip is removably secured to the distal end of the shaft.