Deflectable Catheter Airway Visualization Without Anesthesia
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are limited by the inability to visualize airway obstructions during natural sleep and the risks associated with artificially induced sleep studies, which can alter the structural configuration and function of the airway.
Innovation Solution
A deflectable catheter system with a handle, elongate member, and wire member that can be moved between straight and curved configurations, allowing for visualization and potential treatment of bodily passages like the airway without the need for anesthesia, by being advanced into the airway and manipulated to observe obstructions in a more natural sleep position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If artificially induced sleep studies are performed to visualize airway obstructions, then airway visualization is achieved, but the structural configuration and function of the airway is altered due to anesthesia
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a deflectable catheter with an imaging device as an intermediary tool to visualize the airway. The catheter can be advanced through the airway without requiring anesthesia, allowing direct observation of obstructions while maintaining the airway's natural structural configuration and function during wakefulness or natural sleep.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of artificial sleep induction (anesthesia) with a mechanical imaging system (deflectable catheter with imaging device). This substitution allows airway visualization without altering the airway's structural configuration, as the imaging device directly observes the airway in its natural state.
2Loss of information
If conventional sleep studies are performed without visualization, then sleep patterns can be monitored, but airway obstructions cannot be identified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sleep monitoring function with airway visualization by integrating an imaging device into the deflectable catheter. This combination allows simultaneous monitoring of sleep patterns and direct visualization of airway obstructions in the same procedure, eliminating the need for separate studies and reducing overall procedure complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflectable catheter system serves multiple functions: it can monitor sleep patterns, visualize airway obstructions, and potentially treat OSA. This multi-functionality consolidates what were previously separate procedures into a single comprehensive study, reducing the loss of information by capturing both sleep data and airway anatomy in one examination.
3Ease of operation
If sleep studies are performed with the individual laying on the back, then airway visualization is simplified, but data regarding obstructions in other sleeping positions is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamically adjustable deflectable catheter that can change its configuration to adapt to different sleeping positions. The catheter's flexibility and controllability allow it to navigate the airway whether the patient is in a supine, lateral, or prone position, providing comprehensive data across all sleeping positions while maintaining ease of operation through the actuator mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
Deflectable catheters, systems, and methods of using deflectable catheters are described herein. An embodiment of a deflectable catheter comprises an elongate member, a handle, and a wire member. The elongate member has a shaft and a flexible member. The shaft defines a first lumen and a second lumen and the flexible member defines a passageway. The flexible member is attached to the shaft such that the passageway defined by the flexible member is in communication with each of the first lumen and second lumen defined by the shaft.