Integrated Guidewire Balloon and Electrodes for Sinus Dilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sinuplasty procedures require separate instruments for dilation and tissue removal or ablation, which can complicate the procedure and reduce efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A guidewire with integrated electrodes and a balloon system that allows for both sinuplasty dilation and tissue ablation or coagulation using alternating current potentials, enabling a single instrument to perform multiple functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate instruments are used for dilation and tissue removal/ablation, then each instrument can be optimized for its specific function, but the procedural complexity increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (dilation via balloon, tissue ablation via high frequency AC, and coagulation via low frequency AC) into a single guidewire instrument. The guidewire includes electrodes for electrical ablation/coagulation and a balloon for mechanical dilation, all integrated on one device, thereby reducing procedural complexity while maintaining functional capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The guidewire is designed as a multi-functional instrument that can perform sinuplasty dilation, tissue ablation, and coagulation procedures. The device includes a balloon for dilation and electrodes that can deliver different frequency AC potentials for ablation or coagulation, making it a universal tool for multiple sinus surgical tasks
2Reliability
If multiple instruments are used for different functions, then each function can be performed with specialized equipment, but the time required for the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging ablation electrodes, coagulation electrodes, and balloon dilation components into a single guidewire, the procedure can be performed without switching between multiple instruments. The integrated design allows continuous operation across different functional stages, reducing procedural time
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional guidewire enables the operator to perform dilation, ablation, and coagulation with a single instrument rather than switching between separate tools. This universality eliminates transition time between procedures and streamlines the overall surgical workflow
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 integrated guidewire system enhances procedural efficiency by allowing simultaneous sinuplasty, ablation, and coagulation, reducing the need for multiple instruments and improving tissue access and management.
Implementation Method 1
a generator, configured to generate the electrical potential as a low frequency AC (alternating current) potential, and connected to the conductive leads so as to apply the low frequency AC potential between the first and the second electrode to coagulate material proximate to the nasal sinus
Implementation Method 2
a generator, configured to generate the electrical potential as a high frequency AC (alternating current) potential, and connected to the conductive leads so as to apply the high frequency AC potential between the first and the second electrode to ablate material proximate to the nasal sinus
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, including a guidewire, having a distal end dimensioned to penetrate into a nasal sinus and a balloon, which is fitted over the guidewire in proximity to the distal end. There is an inflation channel, which runs along the guidewire and is coupled to convey a pressurized fluid into the balloon so as to inflate the balloon. The apparatus also includes a first electrode, fixedly attached to a distal tip of the guidewire, and a second electrode, fixedly attached to the guidewire at a location proximal to the distal tip. There are conductive leads running along the guidewire and coupled to apply an electrical potential between the first and second electrodes.