Nasal Compressive Device for Rhinoplasty Swelling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nasal compression devices for preventing scar tissue and swelling in the supratip area after rhinoplasty are either cumbersome, uncomfortable, and ineffective, leading to low patient compliance, and existing solutions such as night tape and head straps fail to provide adequate direct pressure.
Innovation Solution
A nasal compressive device featuring a clip with a nasal bridge and angled, tapered nasal plugs, along with a spring mechanism that applies direct pressure to the supratip area, allowing for easy use and comfortable application of compressive force to elevate the nasal tip and reduce swelling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If night tape is used to compress the supratip area, then compressive force is applied to prevent scar tissue, but patient compliance is low due to difficulty of application and cheek skin irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the compression function into separate components: nasal plugs inserted into nostrils and a bridge component positioned on the nasal bridge, connected by elastic material. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to achieve supratip compression, improving both ease of application and effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic material serves as an intermediary element that transmits compressive force from the nasal plugs and bridge component to the supratip area. This intermediary mechanism allows indirect compression through the nasal structure, achieving the therapeutic effect while avoiding direct contact with sensitive cheek skin.
2Reliability
If head straps with splints are used to apply pressure to the supratip, then compressive force is delivered, but the device becomes bulky and uncomfortable causing low compliance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential compression function from the bulky head strap system and isolates it into a minimal device that fits directly on the nose. By removing the head strap, band, and complex adjustment mechanisms, the device achieves supratip compression through simple insertion of nasal plugs and placement of the bridge component, dramatically reducing bulk and improving comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic material acts as a flexible connecting element that provides the necessary compressive force while conforming to the nasal structure. This thin, flexible connection replaces the rigid and bulky mechanical linkages of head straps, allowing the device to adapt to individual nasal anatomy for enhanced comfort and compliance.
3Shape
If compression heads are used to narrow the nose, then nasal width is reduced, but the device cannot effectively prevent supratip swelling and scar tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies compression specifically to the supratip area through the upward force of the nasal plugs against the nasal septum and the positioning of the bridge component. This localized compression targets the precise anatomical region prone to scar tissue formation, rather than applying general nasal compression, thereby effectively preventing supratip complications while maintaining overall nasal shape.
4Reliability
If band fits around entire head and face is used for compression, then compression is applied, but comfort is reduced and compliance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention completely removes the head band from the device design, extracting only the essential compression function and delivering it directly through nasal plugs and bridge component. This eliminates the source of discomfort associated with tight head bands while maintaining effective supratip compression through anatomically-specific positioning.
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 device effectively reduces swelling and promotes healing by applying consistent pressure to the supratip area, enhancing patient compliance and preventing complications like poly-beak deformity, while being comfortable and easy to use.
Implementation Method 1
a spring portion disposed between the first and second segments. The spring portion is specifically configured to push the nasal plugs and the nasal bridge together when it is in an expanded configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A nasal compressive device for preventing post-operative swelling following a rhinoplasty or other procedure performed on a user's nose or nasal cavity and prevent possible poly-beak deformities. The nasal compressive device includes nasal plugs and a nasal bridge disposed on a selectively actuated clip with a resilient spring portion. The user actuates the clip to open the nasal compressive device and then inserts the nasal plugs into their nostrils. The user then relaxes or closes the nasal compressive device which brings the nasal plugs into contact with an inner surface of their nasal cavity while also forcing the nasal bridge down on top of the user's dorsum. Once placed in the user's nose, the nasal compressive device also applies an upward force to the tip of the user's nose while also simultaneously providing a compression force over the user's dorsum, thereby reducing the amount of unwanted swelling and further shaping the nose.