Deformable ENT Guide With Translatable Imaging for Nerve Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional treatments for intractable rhinitis, such as vidian neurectomy, can cause collateral damage to the lacrimal gland, leading to long-term health complications like chronic dry eye, and there is a lack of instruments for precise ablation of nasal nerves without such complications.
Innovation Solution
Development of an ENT ablation instrument with deformable guide having translatable imaging features, enabling selective RF ablation modalities including shallow, deep, and volumetric ablation using axial and oblique needle electrodes, loop electrodes, and other configurations to target nasal nerves like the posterior nasal nerve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If vidian neurectomy is performed to treat intractable rhinitis, then nasal mucus secretions are reduced, but collateral damage to the lacrimal gland occurs causing chronic dry eye
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument segments the ablation function into multiple electrode types (axial needle electrodes for deep ablation, oblique needle electrodes for lateral ablation, loop electrodes for superficial ablation) that can be independently deployed. This allows selective ablation of specific nerve structures while avoiding adjacent structures like the lacrimal gland, thereby treating rhinitis effectively without causing collateral damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument applies different ablation modalities to different locations: deep ablation using axial needles for posterior nasal nerves, lateral ablation using oblique needles for specific nerve branches, and superficial ablation using loop electrodes for mucosal surfaces. This localized approach ensures precise targeting of pathological nerves while preserving healthy adjacent tissues.
2Measurement precision
If multiple electrode configurations are used for precise ablation, then treatment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument merges multiple electrode configurations (axial needle electrodes, oblique needle electrodes, loop electrodes) into a single integrated shaft assembly. All electrode types can be deployed simultaneously or selectively from one instrument, providing precise multi-modal ablation capability without requiring multiple separate instruments, thus balancing precision with operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft assembly is designed as a universal platform that can deploy different electrode types for different ablation needs. The same shaft can deliver axial needles for deep targets, oblique needles for lateral targets, and loop electrodes for superficial targets, making the instrument versatile for various ablation scenarios while maintaining a unified structural design.
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 instrument allows for precise ablation of nasal nerves, reducing the risk of collateral damage and providing effective treatment for rhinitis while minimizing complications.
Implementation Method 1
selective RF ablation modalities including shallow, deep, and volumetric ablation
Implementation Method 2
selective RF ablation modalities including shallow, deep, and volumetric ablation
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a body, a shaft assembly, and a visualization assembly. The body includes first and second actuators. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body and includes a rigid proximal portion and a steerable distal portion. The steerable distal portion is positioned distally relative to the rigid proximal portion. The first actuator is operable to drive the steerable distal portion to deflect laterally relative to a longitudinal axis defined by the rigid proximal portion. The steerable distal portion is configured to fit within a nasal cavity of a patient. The visualization assembly is disposed within the shaft assembly. The visualization assembly includes a camera. The second actuator is operable to drive longitudinal translation of the visualization assembly relative to the shaft assembly.