Nasal Insert Remodeling for Permanent Airway Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods to alleviate nasal airway obstruction, such as surgical procedures like septoplasty, are painful, expensive, and risky, while non-surgical solutions provide only temporary relief.

Innovation Solution

A series of nasal inserts with varying geometries and corrective surfaces are used to apply incremental pressure over time, reshaping nasal bones and cartilage without surgery, allowing for permanent correction of airway abnormalities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If surgical procedures like septoplasty are used to alleviate airway obstruction, then airway patency is improved, but the treatment becomes painful, expensive, and risky with surgical complications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairway patencyVSAvoidsurgical complications

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the surgical mechanical system (scalpels, bone cutting tools, anesthesia equipment) with a non-invasive mechanical system (nasal inserts applying controlled pressure). The corrective force is applied through soft contact rather than surgical intervention, eliminating surgical complications while maintaining airway correction capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the treatment approach from high-intensity surgical force to low-intensity continuous pressure. By using nasal inserts that apply gradual, sustained pressure to the nasal septum and surrounding structures, the treatment achieves correction through parameter change rather than surgical removal or reconstruction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of stationary object

If surgical procedures are used to correct airway abnormalities, then permanent correction is achieved, but the treatment becomes painful and requires recovery time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepermanent correctionVSAvoidpain and recovery

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic action through daily removal and reinsertion of nasal inserts, allowing the tissue to adapt gradually. The inserts are worn for extended periods (hours to days) with periodic removal for cleaning and maintenance, creating a rhythm of correction that avoids the continuous trauma of surgery while achieving permanent results over time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The nasal inserts are designed with cushioning materials and pressure-distributing surfaces that prevent tissue damage before it can occur. The gradual pressure application cushions the transition from abnormal to corrected position, eliminating the sudden trauma and associated pain of surgical procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Shape

If traditional airway modification methods are used, then structural correction is achieved, but the treatment is expensive and introduces surgical risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenasal structureVSAvoidtreatment cost and complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The nasal inserts are constructed from flexible materials such as silicone, thermoplastic elastomers, or hydrogels that can be molded into custom shapes matching the patient's nasal anatomy. These flexible shells are manufactured using cost-effective processes like injection molding or 3D printing, eliminating the need for expensive surgical procedures while achieving the same structural correction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses digital scanning or molding to create an exact copy of the patient's nasal anatomy, then uses this digital model to design and manufacture custom nasal inserts. This copying approach allows for precise fitting and customization without the high costs associated with surgical planning and execution, making the treatment more accessible

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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

Provides permanent nasal passageway relief and aesthetic improvements by gradually adjusting nasal structures with minimal discomfort, avoiding surgical complications and costs.

Implementation Method 1

apply pressure via the corrective surface to the one or more of nasal bone and cartilage surrounding the airway

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

permanently adjust the structure of the airway

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRemodeling: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS20250255744A1Systems and methods for modifying an airway

Publication Date: 2025.08.14 THE GENERAL HOSPITAL CORP

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided that permanently modify an airway, such as a nasal airway without surgical intervention. The system to modify an airway can include one or more nasal inserts having different geometries or capable of being configured into different geometries to incrementally adjust bone or cartilage in the nasal airway over an extended period of time.