Integrated Surgical Probe for Nerve Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating chronic rhinitis, such as cryosurgery and turbinectomy, have limitations including short-term effects, complications like bleeding and nasal dryness, and require expensive, bulky visualization devices that are difficult to operate simultaneously with energy delivery devices, limiting access and increasing procedure time and cost.
Innovation Solution
A surgical probe with a hollow elongated structure and a camera for optical image guidance, capable of ablating posterior nasal nerves using various ablation methods, including cryo-ablation, radiofrequency, and laser, which is designed for precise delivery of energy under direct visualization, reducing complications and improving treatment efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate visualization devices (endoscopes) are used with energy delivery devices, then direct or indirect visualization is achieved, but the procedure becomes more time-consuming, costly, and operationally difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the visualization function (camera) and energy delivery function (ablation element) into a single integrated probe. This merging eliminates the need for separate endoscopes and energy delivery devices, allowing simultaneous visualization and treatment while reducing procedural complexity and time requirements.
2Measurement precision
If separate visualization devices are used with energy delivery devices, then visualization is achieved, but the equipment becomes expensive and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the camera and ablation element into one probe, the patent eliminates the need for bulky separate visualization equipment. The combined device is more compact and manageable, improving accessibility while maintaining full visualization and treatment capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If separate visualization devices are used with energy delivery devices, then visualization is achieved, but the procedure requires both hands or a second individual, increasing time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated probe allows a single operator to perform both visualization and energy delivery functions simultaneously with one hand. This eliminates the need for a second individual or complex two-handed coordination, significantly improving operational ease and reducing procedure time.
4Reliability
If conventional ablation methods are used, then tissue ablation is achieved, but complications such as crusting, infection, and nasal dryness occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera as an intermediary to enable precise visualization of the treatment site before and during ablation. This allows for accurate targeting of the posterior nasal nerves while avoiding damage to surrounding healthy tissue, thereby reducing postoperative complications such as crusting, infection, and nasal dryness.
5Manufacturing precision
If direct visualization is used during ablation, then precise energy delivery is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the camera and ablation element into a single probe, combining visualization and treatment functions in one device. This approach achieves precise energy delivery through direct visualization while minimizing device complexity compared to using separate systems.
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 probe enables precise ablation of posterior nasal nerves, reducing rhinitis symptoms by interrupting parasympathetic nerve signals, offering a more effective and less invasive treatment with improved accessibility and reduced procedural time and cost.
Implementation Method 1
a camera disposed in the vicinity of the ablation element connected to an image display
Implementation Method 2
applying the ablation agent to the lateral nasal wall to effect ablation of posterior nasal nerve function
Implementation Method 3
wherein the ablation element may comprise one of the following ablation element types: cryo-ablation, radiofrequency ablation, ultrasonic ablation, laser ablation, microwave ablation, or chemo-ablation
Data Source
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AI summary
Devices and methods for treating rhinitis are provided. An integrated therapy and imaging device is provided for single handheld use. The device may have a hollow elongated cannula, a therapeutic element coupled to a distal portion of the cannula, an imaging assembly coupled to the cannula to provide visualization of the therapeutic element, and an articulating region operably coupled to the imaging assembly to articulate the imaging assembly. The imaging assembly may be articulated so as to translate vertically, laterally, axially, and/or rotationally.