Guide Catheter with Integral Sensors for Sinus Dilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dilation procedures for anatomical passageways, such as the Eustachian tube, often require separate endoscopes for visualization, which can be cumbersome and limited by patient anatomy, and lack easy control over balloon inflation/deflation, especially for single-operator procedures.
Innovation Solution
A guide catheter with integral optical sensors and light emitters, allowing for visualization and guidance without a separate endoscope, and a dilation catheter system with an expandable balloon that can be easily inflated and deflated for precise dilation of anatomical passageways.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a separate endoscope is used for visualization during dilation procedures, then visualization capability is provided, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to cumbersome setup and anatomical limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the visualization system (endoscope with light emitters and image sensors) directly with the guide catheter and dilation catheter into an integrated assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate endoscope equipment, reducing procedural complexity while maintaining visualization capability throughout the dilation procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide catheter and dilation catheter are designed to perform multiple functions: they serve as both the dilation tool and the visualization system carrier. The catheters include integrated light emitters for illumination and image sensors for capture, making them universal devices that combine therapeutic and diagnostic functions in a single instrument.
2Loss of information
If a separate endoscope is used for visualization, then imaging is provided, but ease of operation worsens due to difficulty in single-operator control
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the visualization components (light emitters, image sensors) directly onto the dilation catheter, the system enables a single operator to control both dilation and visualization functions through one integrated device, eliminating the coordination difficulties of managing separate endoscope and catheter systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The dilation catheter performs self-visualization by incorporating its own light emitters and image sensors, allowing it to provide its own visual feedback without requiring external endoscope equipment. This self-service capability simplifies operation for single operators.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional dilation catheters are used without integrated visualization, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to difficulty in confirming balloon positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical positioning verification methods with optical sensing. Image sensors capture visual images of the anatomical passageway and balloon position, substituting mechanical alignment checks with optical field-based positioning confirmation, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses light emitters to illuminate the target area and image sensors to capture visual information, utilizing optical properties including light absorption and reflection characteristics of tissues to enhance positioning accuracy through visual feedback.
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
Enables precise and efficient dilation of anatomical passageways with enhanced visualization and single-handed operation, improving procedural efficiency and reducing anatomical limitations.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light emitters disposed at the distal end of the guide catheter
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of image sensors positioned within a distal end of the guide catheter
Data Source
AI summary
A dilation catheter system comprises a guide member, a dilation catheter, and an image sensor. The guide member includes a shaft comprising a distal end and a proximal end. The shaft further defines a longitudinal axis. The dilation catheter is movable relative to the guide catheter member and comprises an expandable dilator. The expandable dilator is sized to fit within one or both of a Eustachian tube or a passageway associated with a paranasal sinus. The image sensor is configured to provide visualization within anatomy of a patient. The image sensor is integral with the guide member.