Lateral Translating End Effector for Nasal Nerve Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chronic rhinitis, characterized by inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes, leads to debilitating symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, and post-nasal drip, with limited effective treatment options and significant healthcare costs.
Innovation Solution
The development of a medical system and device that allows for increased lateral contact of a therapeutic end effector with the posterior nasal nerves within the nasal cavity, achieved through lateral and/or longitudinal translation of the end effector relative to a surgical probe shaft, enabling effective ablation therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a surgical probe is used to treat posterior nasal nerves, then the device can deliver ablation therapy, but the end effector cannot achieve adequate lateral contact with the target tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is made dynamically positionable relative to the probe shaft through translational mechanisms, allowing it to move laterally and longitudinally to achieve optimal contact with the posterior nasal nerves while maintaining probe stability
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector is positioned offset from the probe shaft longitudinal axis, adding lateral dimensionality to the treatment approach. This allows the end effector to contact the lateral surface of the nasal cavity where posterior nasal nerves are located, overcoming the limitation of a fixed axial position
2Device complexity
If the end effector is positioned close to the probe shaft, then the device structure is compact, but the end effector cannot adequately contact the lateral target tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct components: the probe shaft and the end effector. This segmentation allows the end effector to be positioned laterally relative to the probe shaft, enabling contact with lateral target tissues while keeping the overall device structure manageable through modular design
3Reliability
If conventional treatment methods are used for chronic rhinitis, then the symptoms can be managed, but treatment options are limited and side effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces conventional medical treatments (medications, surgery) with a minimally invasive ablation therapy mechanism. The end effector delivers energy to ablate posterior nasal nerves, providing a new treatment modality that avoids the limitations and side effects of traditional approaches while effectively managing rhinitis symptoms
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
This approach improves patient outcomes and safety by ensuring adequate contact of the end effector with the target tissue for effective ablation, reducing symptoms of chronic rhinitis and minimizing side effects.
Implementation Method 1
The distal end of the inner shaft in the second configuration is translated both longitudinally and laterally away from the outer shaft... enabling effective ablation therapy
Implementation Method 2
enabling effective ablation therapy... ensuring adequate contact of the end effector with the target tissue for effective ablation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention disclosed here generally relates to devices that can modify a property of a nerve. Specifically, the subject invention is contemplated to modify the posterior nasal nerve signal conduction in such a way so as to reduce the signals transmitted to the nasal cavity. Reduction or interruption of the nerve signals results in the reduction of the distal organ activity. Embodiments of the present invention allow for increased lateral contact or apposition of the target tissue region having at least one posterior nasal nerve with the end effector surface by lateral and longitudinal translation of the end effector relative to the surgical probe shaft. This improved lateral surface contact translates directly into improved patient outcomes and patient safety as the end effector is adequately in contact with target tissue for subsequent ablation therapy.