Eustachian Tube Stent Applicator for Patient-Specific Access Angles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing treatments for chronic Eustachian tube ventilation disorders, such as the Valsalva maneuver and balloon dilatation, fail to provide lasting improvement due to anatomical incompatibility and temporary expansion of tissue structures, compromising the effectiveness of middle ear ventilation.

Innovation Solution

A plastically deformable applicator with a malleable inner part and dimensionally stable outer tube is used to introduce an elastic stent into the Eustachian tube, conforming to patient-specific anatomy and maintaining increased tension to support muscle function and passive opening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a rigid applicator is used to place a stent in the Eustachian tube, then the stent placement is precise, but the applicator cannot adapt to patient-dependent access angles and anatomical variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestent placement precisionVSAvoidadaptability to patient anatomy

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator is divided into distinct segments: a rigid proximal shaft for stable handling and precise stent positioning, and a flexible distal end for navigation through anatomical variations. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function optimally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The distal end of the applicator is designed to be dynamically flexible, allowing it to bend and adapt to the patient's specific access angle and anatomical conditions, while the proximal shaft remains rigid for precise control during stent deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible applicator is used to accommodate anatomical variations, then adaptability to patient anatomy is improved, but stent placement precision and stability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to patient anatomyVSAvoidstent placement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If balloon dilatation is performed repeatedly to maintain Eustachian tube patency, then short-term ventilation is achieved, but the treatment does not provide lasting improvement and requires multiple procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemporary ventilation effectivenessVSAvoidduration of treatment effect

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The stent is pre-loaded into the applicator in a compressed state, ready for deployment. Once deployed, the stent maintains the Eustachian tube open permanently, eliminating the need for repeated procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The stent is designed to be self-expanding and self-sustaining, maintaining Eustachian tube patency through its elastic memory properties without requiring external energy or repeated interventions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Stability of the object's composition

If the inner part of the applicator is made rigid for structural stability, then handling stability is improved, but the applicator cannot be deformed to match patient-specific access angles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicator structural stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to access angle

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

5Adaptability or versatility

If the outer tube is made fully flexible for navigation, then adaptability to anatomy is improved, but the applicator loses dimensional stability required for precise stent release

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to anatomyVSAvoiddimensional stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 applicator allows for a lasting improvement in Eustachian tube function by supporting muscle function and passive opening, providing sustained middle ear ventilation and drainage without compromising anatomical integrity.

Implementation Method 1

The inner part of the distal end of the applicator is designed to be plastically deformable, at least in some areas, for adaptation to a patient-dependent access angle to the Eustachian tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Implementation Method 2

The outer tube can be retracted to release a stent arranged in the annular gap for placement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical retraction: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

A stent supports the weak muscles which are required to actively open the Eustachian tube by maintaining increased tension and/or facilitating passive opening of the tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic tension: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12514754B2System comprising an applicator and a stent for a Eustachian tube

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 BESS PRO

AI summary

A system Includes a stent including a first end for arrangement on a tubal ostium, a second end for arrangement on a bony isthmus of smaller diameter than a diameter of the first end, and adjacent to the second end a length portion of decreasing diameter. The system further includes an applicator for placement of the stent in a Eustachian tube. The applicator has a proximal end for handling the applicator and a distal end for receiving the stent. The distal end includes an inner part which has at least one area that is plastically deformable by manual force, for adaptation to a patient-dependent access angle of the Eustachian tube, and an outer tube which surrounds the inner part at a radial distance and which delimits an annular gap for receiving the stent, with the stent in the annular gap made of nitinol and being self-expanding.