Endoscope Channel Alignment for Sinus Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical procedures for functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) often require the removal or modification of normal anatomical structures to accommodate rigid instruments, limiting visualization and requiring additional imaging tools like fluoroscopy, which increases radiation exposure and complicates single-handed operation.
Innovation Solution
A sinus guide system with a continuous endoscope channel that allows for adjustable viewing aligned with the axis of movement, enabling visualization around anatomical obstructions without fluoroscopy, and a flexible illuminating guidewire for enhanced visualization and positioning of instruments within the sinuses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If rigid surgical instruments are used in FESS procedures, then surgical precision and control are improved, but anatomical structures must be removed or modified to accommodate these instruments, increasing surgical invasiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible endoscopes and catheters with soft, compliant shafts that can navigate through natural anatomical passages without requiring removal of anatomical structures. The flexible construction allows the instruments to bend and conform to the patient's anatomy, eliminating the need for aggressive surgical access while maintaining the ability to reach target areas for treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscopic instruments feature curved and angled tips that can navigate around anatomical obstructions such as the uncinate process and ethmoid bulla. The curved configuration allows the distal end of the endoscope to visualize structures that would be blocked in a straight-line approach, enabling visualization without removing normal anatomy.
2Loss of information
If anatomical structures are removed to allow endoscopic visualization, then direct line-of-sight view is improved, but radiation exposure from fluoroscopy increases due to need for additional imaging tools
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope incorporates its own illumination system with light sources and optical fibers that provide self-contained lighting within the nasal cavity and sinus passages. This eliminates the need for external fluoroscopy or other imaging systems that would require radiation, as the endoscope generates and delivers its own light for visualization of anatomical structures and instruments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments including endoscope and surgical tools are used, then procedural capability is improved, but ease of single-handed operation deteriorates due to complexity of manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the endoscope and surgical instrumentation into an integrated assembly where the endoscope is coupled with the surgical tool shaft. This merging allows the operator to control both visualization and surgical function through a single handle, enabling coordinated manipulation with one hand while maintaining access to multiple procedural capabilities through the integrated design.
4Productivity
If natural ostium is enlarged to improve sinus drainage, then sinus drainage function is improved, but anatomical modification increases surgical invasiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs balloon catheters that can be inflated to gradually dilate the sinus ostia to therapeutic dimensions. This controlled expansion allows the natural opening to be enlarged to improve drainage function without requiring surgical removal or modification of anatomical structures, achieving the functional goal while preserving normal anatomy.
Data Source
AI summary
Medical devices, systems and methods that are useable to facilitate transnasal insertion and positioning of guidewires and various other devices and instruments at desired locations within the ear, nose, throat, paranasal sinuses or cranium. Direct viewing of such placements via an endoscope.