Single-Handed ENT Tool With Geneva Tip Rotation for Sinus Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
ENT procedures in the sinuses are restricted by the sinus configuration, limiting the freedom of movement of surgical tools, and existing solutions require both hands for operation, which is undesirable for physicians.
Innovation Solution
A one-handed ENT tool with a Geneva drive mechanism that allows for discrete angular rotation and deflection of the distal tip, incorporating a guidewire and balloon insertion mechanism, enabling independent operation of the tool end by the physician's fingers, along with channels for suction, inflation, and irrigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional ENT tool is used in sinus procedures, then the tool can perform basic functions, but the freedom of movement is restricted by the sinus configuration and requires both hands for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the guidewire, balloon catheter, and other functional elements are contained within the main tool body. The guidewire can be advanced through the tool, the balloon can be inflated within the tool housing, and multiple components are housed within each other to enable single-handed operation while maintaining complex functionality. This nesting allows the physician to manipulate the entire assembly with one hand while the internal components perform their respective functions independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is designed as a multi-functional device that combines guidewire insertion, balloon inflation, irrigation, and suction capabilities within a single handheld instrument. The tool body serves multiple purposes: it houses the guidewire mechanism, contains the balloon inflation system, provides irrigation channels, and incorporates suction pathways. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple separate tools and enables single-handed operation across various sinus procedure requirements.
2Productivity
If both hands are used to operate the ENT tool, then the freedom of movement and manipulation capability are improved, but the operational efficiency and physician comfort deteriorate due to the requirement for dual-handed handling
Solution Approach 1:
The tool incorporates dynamic elements that allow flexible manipulation with one hand. The distal tip can be deflected independently while the proximal portion remains stable in the physician's hand. The guidewire can be advanced, the balloon can be inflated and deflated, and the tool can be repositioned all through single-handed manipulation. This dynamic design enables the physician to perform complex maneuvers without requiring assistance from the other hand, thereby improving procedural efficiency and physician comfort.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sinus configuration restricts the freedom of movement of the ENT tool, then the access to sinus regions is limited, but the tool manipulation and positioning capability can be enhanced through independent rotation and deflection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is segmented into distinct functional zones: a proximal handling portion, a mid-section with rotation mechanisms, and a distal deflectable tip. The guidewire is segmented from the balloon catheter, allowing independent manipulation of each element. The rotation mechanism is separated from the deflection mechanism, enabling independent control of tool orientation and tip direction. This segmentation allows the complex functions to be managed independently, improving adaptability to sinus configurations while keeping the overall system manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary mechanisms between the physician's hand and the distal tip functions. A rotation mechanism acts as an intermediary to convert rotational input into angular positioning of the tool shaft. A deflection mechanism serves as an intermediary to translate proximal manipulation into distal tip curvature changes. These intermediary elements enable precise control of tool orientation and tip position without requiring direct manual manipulation of the distal components, thereby enhancing access to difficult sinus regions.
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 tool provides enhanced freedom of movement for physicians during ENT procedures, allowing for more efficient access and manipulation within the sinuses with single-handed operation, improving procedural efficiency and reducing the need for dual-handed handling.
Implementation Method 1
The tool comprises a Geneva drive, housed within the enclosure, that is connected so that a drive wheel is fixedly attached to the rotatable knob. In addition, a driven wheel of the Geneva drive is fixedly attached to the tube proximal end so that an axis of rotation of the driven wheel coincides with the tube axis of symmetry.
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical tool comprises a guidewire insertion mechanism and a balloon insertion mechanism which can be independently implemented. Additionally, a locking mechanism is configured to unlock both the guidewire and balloon insertion mechanism to allow their free movement within the locking mechanism or lock either of them while the other one is free to move.