Directional Shockwave Catheters for Deep Sinus Bone Dilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for chronic rhinosinusitis, such as corticosteroids and surgical methods like balloon sinuplasty, either have side effects or risk damaging soft tissues and fail to effectively treat narrowed regions deep within the ear or sinus.
Innovation Solution
Shock wave catheter devices with directional shock wave emitters and compliant or semi-compliant balloons are used to fracture bony structures in narrowed regions, minimizing damage to soft tissues and enabling deeper treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If high pressure is used to break bony structures in balloon sinuplasty, then the bony structure can be fractured to create drainage pathways, but soft tissues such as the mucosa can be damaged and the healing period is lengthened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical high-pressure balloon system with an acoustic shock wave system. Shock waves are generated by a transducer that converts electrical energy to acoustic energy, creating focused pressure pulses that fracture bone through acoustic cavitation and mechanical stress concentration at the bony interface, rather than through uniform high-pressure inflation that damages surrounding soft tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock wave energy is focused specifically at the bony structure interface through directional emission and reflection off the bone surface. The energy concentration is localized to the bone-mucosa interface where fracture is needed, while the bulk of the soft tissue experiences minimal energy exposure, preserving mucosal integrity while achieving bone fracture.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional treatments are used, then soft tissues are preserved, but the ability to treat narrowed regions deep within the ear or sinus is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The shock wave system adds a temporal dimension to the treatment through pulsed acoustic waves, allowing energy to propagate deeply into sinus cavities and ear structures. The acoustic waves travel through tissue with minimal attenuation compared to mechanical pressure, enabling treatment of deep-seated bony obstructions while maintaining soft tissue preservation through controlled pulse duration and frequency.
3Ease of manufacture
If oral medications are used, then they are widely available, but they require long periods before becoming effective and can have negative side effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pharmacological treatment with a physical therapy modality. Shock wave therapy directly mechanically disrupts bony obstructions and stimulates tissue regeneration through cavitation and microstreaming effects, bypassing the need for drug metabolism and absorption. This provides immediate structural relief rather than gradual pharmacological effect, reducing treatment time from weeks or months to a single or few procedural sessions.
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 shock wave catheter devices provide effective dilation of narrowed regions with reduced tissue damage and longer-term patency, allowing for deeper drug delivery and improved drainage.
Implementation Method 1
generating at least one shock wave from the at least one shock wave emitter. The at least one shock wave creates one or more fractures in a bony structure of the narrowed region of the lumen that dilate the narrowed region
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a device for treating a narrowed region of a lumen in the ear or nose of a patient, the device comprising: an elongated tube; at least one shock wave emitter, the at least one shock wave emitter configured to generate at least one shock wave along a working direction; at least one imaging sensor oriented to capture images along the working direction; and a fillable member sealed to a distal end of the elongated tube and surrounding the at least one shock wave emitter and the at least one imaging sensor, the fillable member fillable with a conductive fluid.