Flexible Steerable Catheter for Sinus Dilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods for treating sinusitis often require the removal or modification of normal anatomical structures, which can be invasive and may not always provide optimal access or visualization, especially when using rigid instruments in FESS procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of endoscopic guide systems, seeker devices, dilator devices, and other apparatus that allow for minimally invasive procedures by using flexible or steerable instruments and catheters to access and dilate paranasal sinuses without substantial modification of normal anatomical structures, enabling better visualization and access with reduced tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If rigid surgical instruments are used in FESS procedures, then cutting and cauterization can be performed effectively, but substantial modification or removal of normal anatomical structures is required to allow insertion and access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible catheters with steerable distal tips that can navigate through natural anatomical passages without requiring rigid instrument insertion. The flexible catheter body allows bending and conforming to anatomical structures, enabling access to sinus ostia through natural pathways rather than requiring surgical creation of access routes.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter incorporates a steerable distal tip that can be dynamically adjusted during the procedure to change direction and target specific sinus openings. This dynamic steering capability allows the instrument to adapt to individual anatomical variations without requiring pre-planned rigid access paths or removal of anatomical structures.
2Ease of operation
If the uncinate process is removed to allow endoscopic visualization and instrument access, then the maxillary sinus ostium and ethmoid bulla can be accessed, but normal anatomical structures are modified
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible catheter can be inserted through the nasal passage and steered around the uncinate process to reach the maxillary sinus ostium without requiring its removal. The catheter's flexibility allows it to navigate the complex anatomical terrain preserved by keeping the uncinate process intact.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter acts as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between the nasal passage and the sinus ostia without requiring direct surgical exposure or removal of intermediate structures like the uncinate process. It provides a soft, navigable path through or around anatomical landmarks.
3Reliability
If rigid instruments are used to enlarge sinus ostia, then drainage can be improved, but the procedure requires substantial anatomical modification
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter includes an expandable balloon at its distal end that can be inflated to mechanically dilate the sinus ostium. This parameter change (from collapsed to expanded state) allows controlled enlargement of the opening without requiring rigid cutting instruments or removal of anatomical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical system of rigid cutting instruments with a pneumatic/hydraulic system using an inflatable balloon. This substitution allows for controlled tissue dilation through pressure application rather than mechanical cutting, reducing anatomical modification while achieving the same functional result of improved drainage.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for treating disorders of the ear, nose, throat or paranasal sinuses, including methods and apparatus for dilating ostia, passageways and other anatomical structures, endoscopic methods and apparatus for endoscopic visualization of structures within the ear, nose, throat or paranasal sinuses, navigation devices for use in conjunction with image guidance or navigation system and hand held devices having pistol type grips and other handpieces.