Ear Catheter with Self-Expandable Seal and Insertion Aid
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ear catheters for administering medications into the middle ear via the eustachian tube are inefficient due to drug drainage into the nasopharynx, lack pressure equalization features, and have complex handling and positioning issues, especially when used for extended periods.
Innovation Solution
An ear catheter with an expandable sealing element, such as a self-expandable shield or balloon, that creates a fluid-tight seal in the eustachian tube, combined with a pressure relief lumen and a user-friendly insertion aid with a headpiece, middle piece, and end piece design for easy placement and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a balloon is used as sealing element to prevent drug drainage, then drug retention is improved, but device complexity and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from the complex inflatable balloon system and implements it through a simple, non-inflatable seal element that is integrated directly into the catheter structure. This seal element prevents drug drainage without requiring inflation mechanisms, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing device complexity and handling difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable, non-inflatable seal element that is discarded with the catheter after use, eliminating the need for complex reusable inflation systems. This approach maintains effective sealing for the duration of treatment while avoiding the complexity of deflation and reuse operations.
2Reliability
If an inflatable balloon is used for sealing, then drug retention is improved, but the need for additional inflation/deflation devices increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the inflation/deflation device requirement by replacing the inflatable balloon with a permanently set seal element that maintains its sealing function without needing external actuation devices. The seal is integrated into the catheter as a fixed component, eliminating the need for separate inflation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a disposable seal element that is discarded with the catheter, eliminating the need for reusable inflation/deflation devices. This approach maintains effective sealing during the treatment period while avoiding the complexity and cost of additional mechanical devices.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid catheter structure is used for stability, then positioning accuracy is improved, but ease of insertion through narrow passages deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the catheter into segments with different rigidity characteristics - the distal portion is more flexible for easy insertion through the nasopharynx and eustachian tube, while the proximal portion maintains sufficient rigidity for stable positioning and drug administration. This segmented approach allows the catheter to adapt to different anatomical requirements along its length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic catheter structure where the distal portion can flex and adapt during insertion to navigate narrow passages, while maintaining positional stability once deployed. The catheter transitions from a flexible insertion state to a stable positioning state through its designed structural characteristics.
4Duration of action of moving object
If extended treatment duration is implemented, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but risk of irritation and complications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a disposable catheter with an integrated seal element that is discarded after the treatment course, eliminating the need for cleaning and reuse. This approach maintains treatment effectiveness for the required duration while minimizing the risk of irritation and complications associated with repeated use of the same device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the sealing function from complex inflatable systems and implements it through a simple, non-inflatable seal that reduces local pressure and minimizes irritation to the eustachian tube lining during extended wear. The seal maintains its function without the pressure fluctuations that could cause tissue irritation.
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 ear catheter effectively retains medications in the middle ear for extended periods, reduces treatment duration, and allows for non-invasive, easy insertion and removal, minimizing irritation and the need for continuous medical monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
an expandable sealing element, such as a self-expandable shield or balloon, that creates a fluid-tight seal in the eustachian tube
Implementation Method 2
combined with a pressure relief lumen
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an ear catheter for insertion into the eustachian tube with a first tube as catheter tube (3) provided with at least one first lumen as injection duct (3A) for the application of a liquid/fluid, at least one second lumen as pressure relief lumen (3B) for pressure relief and a self-expandable sealing element (2) for the occlusion of the eustachian tube, as well as an insertion aid comprising a headpiece, a middle piece and an end piece, wherein the insertion aid consists of a biocompatible polymer, and with at least one separator line extending at least through each of the middle piece and the end piece, along which the insertion aid can be unfolded or split open. The insertion aid proposed by the invention can thus be removed from a catheter even if the catheter ends are blocked.