Intra-tympanic Injection Tip with Guide Hole for Eardrum Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intra-tympanic injections require precise insertion of a needle into the eardrum, which is challenging due to the need for minimal patient movement and high skill levels, especially when inexperienced practitioners or patient movement occurs, leading to potential incorrect insertion or injection into the external auditory meatus.
Innovation Solution
A tip for intra-tympanic injection with a body having a smaller cross-section at one end for insertion into the external auditory meatus and a larger cross-section at the other end, featuring a communicating path to guide the needle accurately through the eardrum, and optionally an outer casing with elasticity and a handle for easier handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a practitioner manually inserts an injection needle into the eardrum, then the surgery can be performed, but the insertion accuracy is low and incorrect insertion into the external auditory meatus may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tip as an intermediary device between the injection needle and the eardrum. The tip includes a guide hole that directs the needle along a predetermined path, ensuring accurate insertion into the eardrum while preventing incorrect insertion into the external auditory meatus. This mediator structure simplifies the operation by providing a visual and physical guide for the practitioner.
Solution Approach 2:
The tip is pre-formed with a guide hole at a specific angle and position relative to the eardrum anatomy. This preliminary preparation of the insertion path allows the needle to follow the correct trajectory without requiring complex real-time adjustments by the practitioner, thereby improving insertion accuracy while maintaining ease of operation.
2Measurement precision
If the practitioner uses a standard injection needle without a guide, then the device is simple, but the insertion precision into the eardrum is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The injection system is segmented into two functional parts: the injection needle and the guide tip. The tip is a separate component that can be attached to or used with the needle, providing the guiding function without complicating the needle structure itself. This segmentation allows the simple needle design to be combined with the precision-providing tip.
Solution Approach 2:
The tip serves as a mediator that adds minimal structural complexity while providing substantial improvement in insertion precision. The guide hole within the tip creates a predetermined insertion path, ensuring the needle reaches the correct location on the eardrum without requiring complex aiming mechanisms.
3Productivity
If blood is injected beyond the eardrum, then the injection is complete, but the external auditory meatus fills with blood and the eardrum becomes unrecognizable for subsequent procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The tip acts as a physical barrier and guide that prevents excessive injection beyond the eardrum. The needle passes through the tip's guide hole, which is positioned to ensure the needle tip stops at or near the eardrum surface. This intermediary structure provides visual and physical feedback to the practitioner, preventing blood from filling the external auditory meatus and maintaining eardrum visibility for subsequent procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a tip for intra-tympanic injection capable of allowing a practitioner to accurately recognize an injection location and preventing the practitioner from piercing regions of an external auditory meatus other than the eardrum with an injection needle, in case of piercing the eardrum with the injection needle.