Inflatable Nasal Catheter for Anatomical Conformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nasal and pharyngeal support systems are inefficient in pinpointing and effectively managing nasal bleeding and snoring issues due to airflow obstruction and lack of precise anatomical conformity, and they require invasive procedures for airway control during anesthesia.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a platform with guides and inflatable catheters that can be inserted into the nostril, featuring an inflatable tube connected to a pressurized fluid source, allowing for precise placement and inflation to conform to nasal or pharyngeal contours, facilitating tamponade, snoring reduction, and airway control without obstructing airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional nasal and pharyngeal support systems are used, then airway control is achieved, but airflow is obstructed and anatomical conformity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an inflatable balloon made of flexible material that can be inserted through the nostril and inflated to conform to the nasal and pharyngeal anatomy. This flexible shell approach allows the device to adapt to individual anatomical variations while maintaining airway patency, unlike rigid traditional supports that obstruct airflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes inflation pressure as a controllable parameter to achieve the desired level of support and anatomical conformity. By adjusting the inflation pressure, the balloon can be optimized to provide effective airway control while minimizing airflow obstruction, resolving the contradiction between reliability and harmful effects.
2Reliability
If traditional support systems are used, then airway control is provided, but anatomical conformity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable balloon is constructed from flexible material that can be molded to match the complex three-dimensional anatomy of the nasal cavity and pharynx. This allows the device to achieve superior anatomical conformity compared to rigid traditional supports, while maintaining effective airway control.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a deflated state during insertion to an inflated state for support, allowing dynamic adaptation to the anatomical space. This dynamic capability enables the balloon to conform precisely to the nasal and pharyngeal contours, resolving the anatomical conformity issue.
3Reliability
If invasive procedures are used for airway control, then airway control is achieved, but patient comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The soft, flexible balloon material provides a comfortable interface with the nasal and pharyngeal tissues, significantly improving patient comfort compared to invasive rigid procedures. The device maintains effective airway control while being gentle on the patient's anatomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable balloon acts as an intermediary device that provides airway control without requiring direct invasive intervention. It mediates between the need for secure airway control and the desire for patient comfort, offering a non-invasive solution that achieves both goals.
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 system provides effective tamponade for nasal bleeding, reduces snoring by maintaining nasal passage openness, and supports airway control during anesthesia without obstructing airflow, offering a non-invasive and comfortable solution with precise anatomical conformity.
Implementation Method 1
The tube is configured for insertion through the aperture... Inflating the tube is accomplished by introducing a pressurized fluid through the lumen, to thereby cause the tube to conform to a passage of the user's nasal or pharyngeal region
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a platform configured for insertion into a user's nostril and a catheter. The platform includes a board having first and second major surfaces and a support extending from the board. The support includes an aperture therethrough. The catheter includes an inflatable tube and a lumen having first and second ends, the first end connected to the tube and the second end connected to a pressurized fluid source for inflating the tube. The tube is configured for insertion through the aperture. A method includes inserting a platform into a user's nostril, inserting a catheter through an aperture of the platform, and inflating a tube of the catheter. Inflating the tube is accomplished by introducing a pressurized fluid through a lumen of the catheter, to thereby cause the tube to conform to a passage of the user's nasal or pharyngeal region.