Dilation Catheter Illuminating Indicator Features
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dilation systems for anatomical passageways lack effective visualization tools for confirming the proper positioning of balloons before inflation, particularly in low-light conditions, which can complicate procedures like sinus dilation.
Innovation Solution
A dilation instrument assembly featuring a guide catheter with rotatable orientations and illuminating indicator features, including phosphorescent and electrically powered elements, to facilitate accurate positioning of the guide catheter relative to the handle body, and a guidewire with optical fibers for transillumination, ensuring precise balloon placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If an illuminating guidewire is used to provide transcutaneous illumination for visual confirmation of positioning, then visualization capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the guidewire with an illuminating element (light source and optical fiber) into a single integrated assembly. This merging allows the guidewire to serve dual functions: providing structural guidance and enabling transcutaneous illumination for visualization, thereby improving illumination capability while managing device complexity through integration rather than separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical fiber as an intermediary element that transmits light from the illuminating element through the guidewire to the target area and back. This intermediary enables the illumination function to be achieved through the existing guidewire structure without requiring the guidewire itself to be complex, as the optical fiber serves as the light transmission medium
2Measurement precision
If a variable direction view endoscope is used to provide visualization within the anatomical passageway, then positioning accuracy is improved, but ease of operation decreases due to shaft flexing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical shaft flexing mechanism of the endoscope with an optical illumination system. Instead of mechanically flexing the endoscope shaft to change viewing angles, the system uses a fixed-endoscope approach combined with transcutaneous illumination to provide visualization, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy while improving ease of operation by eliminating the need for complex shaft manipulation
3Ease of operation
If indicator features are added to show rotational orientations of the guide catheter, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color-coded indicator features on the guide catheter and handle body to indicate rotational orientations. Different colors or color patterns on the indicators provide visual feedback about the rotational position, enabling operators to easily identify correct orientations without complex mechanical indicators, thus improving ease of operation while minimizing added complexity through the use of simple color-coding
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
Enhances visualization in low-light conditions, allowing for more accurate and efficient dilation of anatomical passageways by providing clear indicators for rotational orientations and confirming balloon placement, thereby improving procedural accuracy and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one indicator feature comprises a phosphorescent material configured to emit light
Implementation Method 2
a guidewire with optical fibers for transillumination
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a body and a dilation catheter operatively coupled with the body and configured to translate between proximal and distal positions. The dilation catheter includes a dilation member configured to dilate an anatomical passageway when the dilation catheter is in the distal position. A guide catheter is coupled to the body and defines a longitudinal axis. The guide catheter is selectively positionable in a plurality of rotational orientations about the longitudinal axis relative to the body, and is configured to guide the dilation catheter therethrough between the proximal and distal positions. The apparatus further includes at least one illuminating indicator feature configured to emit light to facilitate positioning of the guide catheter in one or more of the rotational orientations.