Guide Catheter Deflection Feature for Sinus Guidewire Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for dilating anatomical passageways in the ear, nose, or throat, such as using inflatable balloons, lack effective guidance and visualization tools for precise positioning and angle adjustment, which can lead to tissue damage and inefficient dilation.
Innovation Solution
A guide catheter system with a deflection feature, such as a groove or wedge, is used to direct a guidewire at specific angles for precise positioning of a dilation balloon within sinus cavities, combined with an illuminating guidewire for external visualization and a variable direction view endoscope for enhanced visualization during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a guidewire is advanced directly into the sinus cavity without deflection features, then the procedure is simpler, but the guidewire cannot reach the target area at the required angle and may cause tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into distinct functional segments: a shaft portion and a deflection feature portion. The deflection feature is positioned at the distal end of the shaft, creating separate functional zones that work together to achieve precise guidewire deflection while maintaining overall system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The deflection feature acts as an intermediary element between the guidewire and the sinus cavity. It provides a controlled interface that redirects the guidewire at the required angle without requiring complex manipulation mechanisms or direct manual adjustment
2Reliability
If traditional dilation methods are used without precise guidance, then the equipment is simpler, but tissue damage occurs and dilation efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The deflection feature is pre-configured on the catheter to automatically guide the guidewire at the correct angle before the dilation procedure begins. This preliminary positioning action ensures accurate target area engagement and prevents tissue damage during subsequent dilation steps
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex manual mechanical manipulation with a fixed geometric deflection feature. Instead of requiring operators to manually adjust wire angles through complex mechanical means, the deflection feature provides consistent angular redirection through its predetermined geometry
3Manufacturing precision
If the guidewire is not deflected at the correct angle, then the catheter design is simpler, but the balloon cannot be positioned accurately within the sinus cavity
Solution Approach 1:
The deflection feature concentrates the angular correction function at a specific location (the distal end of the catheter shaft). This localized geometric feature provides precise angle control exactly where needed at the target area, while the rest of the catheter maintains simple, easy-to-manipulate characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
A guide catheter system for use in treating the sinus cavity or Eustachian tube is described. The system includes a guide catheter that has a proximal end and a distal end and an elongate shaft between the proximal end and the distal end and a guidewire. The guide catheter includes a deflection feature on a distal tip of the distal end for deflecting the guidewire at a predetermined angle.