ENT Guide Shaft Deflection Assembly for Precise Balloon Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dilation instruments lack easy and precise control for positioning balloons in anatomical passageways, particularly during single-operator procedures, and there is a need for instruments that can adjust to various anatomical passageways without requiring instrument exchange.
Innovation Solution
A dilation instrument with a handle assembly, guide shaft assembly, and deflection and rotation control mechanisms that allow for adjustable positioning and alignment of a guidewire and dilation catheter, enabling precise placement and inflation of a dilator in anatomical passageways, including features like a deflection control knob and tactile feedback for enhanced control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single dilation instrument is used to accommodate various anatomical passageways, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The guide shaft assembly incorporates a flexible distal portion that can dynamically change its configuration to adapt to different anatomical passageways. The deflection control mechanism allows the shaft to bend at controlled angles, while the rotation control enables angular adjustment, providing dynamic adaptability without requiring multiple rigid instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The single dilation instrument is designed with multiple control mechanisms (deflection control and rotation control) that enable it to perform multiple functions across different anatomical passageways. The handle assembly integrates both deflection and rotation controls, allowing the instrument to universally accommodate various passageway geometries through coordinated control of the flexible shaft.
2Measurement precision
If precise positioning control is implemented through multiple control mechanisms, then positioning precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to increased control complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The deflection control mechanism and rotation control mechanism are merged into a single handle assembly, allowing the operator to control both the bending angle and rotational angle of the flexible shaft from one location. This integration enables precise positioning of the balloon while maintaining ease of operation for a single operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanisms provide tactile feedback to the operator, allowing precise control of the flexible shaft's deflection and rotation. The mechanical feedback from the control mechanisms enables the operator to sense the position and orientation of the balloon, improving positioning precision without complicating the operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible shaft with control mechanisms is used, then adaptability to anatomical variations is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft assembly is segmented into a rigid proximal portion and a flexible distal portion. The rigid portion provides structural support and houses the control mechanisms, while the flexible portion adapts to anatomical variations. This segmentation allows the device to achieve adaptability without requiring the entire shaft to be complex and flexible.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal portion of the shaft is constructed as a flexible element that can bend and rotate to accommodate various anatomical passageway geometries. This flexible construction allows the shaft to conform to complex anatomical structures without requiring multiple rigid components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a body, a shaft assembly, and a deflection actuation assembly. The shaft defines a longitudinal axis and includes a flexible distal portion. The deflection actuation assembly includes a first rotary actuator, a translatable actuation member, and a resilient member. The translatable actuation member extends through the shaft assembly and is operatively coupled with the first rotary actuator and the flexible distal portion of the shaft assembly. The first rotary actuator is rotatable by a rotational force to thereby drive the translatable actuation member longitudinally. The resilient member is positioned between the first rotary actuator and the body and is configured to apply a friction force between the first rotary actuator and the body. The friction force is operable to increase the rotational force required to rotate the first rotary actuator.