Deflectable Guide Rail for Sinus Dilation Catheter
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current dilation instruments for anatomical passageways, such as sinuses and the Eustachian tube, lack the ability to easily adjust to various bend angles, requiring multiple instruments or complex procedures to access different anatomical sites, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially for single-operator procedures.
Innovation Solution
A dilation instrument with a deflectable guide shaft assembly that allows for adjustable bend angles through a push-pull wire and cam barrel mechanism, enabling the guide shaft to be bent to specific angles (e.g., 55, 70, 110 degrees) to facilitate access to different anatomical passageways without the need for multiple instruments or additional hands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments are used to access different anatomical sites, then adaptability to various bend angles is improved, but device complexity and procedural efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The guide shaft is designed with a deflectable portion that can be dynamically adjusted to different bend angles during the procedure. The cam barrel mechanism allows the operator to change the bend angle on-demand, transforming a static instrument into a dynamic one that adapts to various anatomical configurations without requiring multiple separate instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
A single dilation instrument is designed to perform multiple functions by accessing different anatomical sites through adjustable bend angles. The guide shaft can be deflected to various angles (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) to reach different sinus ostia or Eustachian tube positions, making one instrument universal for multiple procedures that previously required specialized instruments for each site.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments are used to access different anatomical sites, then adaptability to various bend angles is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is designed to be self-sufficient for single-operator use. The deflection mechanism is integrated into the handle assembly, allowing the operator to deflect the guide shaft using only one hand while maintaining control of the instrument. This eliminates the need for assistant help to manually bend the guide shaft, making the instrument easy to operate independently.
Solution Approach 2:
A cam barrel mechanism serves as an intermediary between the operator's rotational input and the guide shaft's bending action. By rotating the cam barrel, the operator indirectly controls the deflection of the guide shaft through a mechanical transmission system, providing precise and controlled bending without requiring direct manual manipulation of the shaft itself.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the guide shaft is made rigid to maintain stability, then stability is improved, but adaptability to different anatomical configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guide shaft is segmented into distinct sections: a rigid proximal portion for stable insertion and control, and a flexible deflectable portion for adapting to anatomical variations. This segmentation allows the shaft to maintain stability where needed while providing flexibility for configuration adaptation, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the guide shaft have different mechanical properties. The proximal section is made rigid to provide stability and control during insertion, while the distal deflectable portion is made flexible to adapt to various anatomical configurations. This local differentiation of material properties allows the single shaft to simultaneously achieve both stability and adaptability.
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
Enables efficient and versatile dilation of various anatomical passageways by allowing the guide shaft to be easily adjusted to accommodate different anatomical sites, improving procedural efficiency and accessibility for single-operator use.
Implementation Method 1
A dilation instrument with a deflectable guide shaft assembly that allows for adjustable bend angles through a push-pull wire and cam barrel mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a body, a first shaft, an actuation assembly, and a dilation catheter. The first shaft includes a malleable distal portion. The actuation assembly includes a second shaft and an actuator. The second shaft is coaxially positioned about the first shaft. The actuator is operable to selectively bend the malleable distal portion of the first shaft. The dilation catheter is coaxially interposed between the first shaft and the second shaft. The dilation catheter includes an expandable dilator. The dilation catheter is operable to translate along the malleable distal portion of the first shaft.