Nasal Pack Sensor for Head Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ENT procedures face challenges in accurately tracking instrument position within the head during movement, especially when using image-guided surgery systems, as external position sensors can be unreliable and uncomfortable for patients, and existing solutions do not effectively prevent fluid drainage from sinuses during irrigation procedures.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a position sensor within medical instruments, such as a posterior nasal pack or Foley catheter, which secures the sensor internally to track head movement and prevent fluid drainage, while maintaining compatibility with image-guided surgery systems to provide accurate real-time feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external position sensors are used to track head movement during ENT procedures, then real-time position tracking is achieved, but sensor reliability decreases and patient comfort deteriorates due to sensor displacement and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the position sensor with the medical instrument (catheter, pack, or balloon) into a single integrated device. The sensor is positioned within the instrument itself rather than externally on the patient's head, which eliminates sensor displacement issues and maintains reliable position tracking throughout the procedure. This merging of functions resolves the contradiction by making the sensor inherently stable while continuing to provide accurate real-time position data.
2Loss of information
If external position sensors are used for tracking, then position data is obtained, but patient comfort worsens due to sensor placement and movement
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the position sensor into the medical instrument that is already being inserted into the patient's body for treatment, the patent eliminates the need for separate external sensors on the patient's head. The sensor travels with the instrument inside the anatomical passageway, providing continuous position data without requiring external attachments that would discomfort the patient during head movement.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If traditional occluding devices are used to prevent fluid drainage during sinus irrigation, then fluid containment is attempted, but measurement precision of instrument position deteriorates without integrated sensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates both the occluding function (to prevent fluid drainage) and the position sensing function into a single device. The sensor is incorporated within the occluding device or irrigation catheter, allowing simultaneous performance of fluid containment and precise real-time position tracking. This dual-function integration resolves the contradiction by making the occluding device itself the source of position data.
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 solution ensures accurate tracking of instrument position and head movement, reducing the risk of sensor displacement and effectively preventing fluid drainage, thereby enhancing the precision and comfort of ENT procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a position sensor fixedly secured on the occlusion device, wherein the position sensor is configured to generate signals indicating a position of the occlusion in three-dimensional space
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes an occlusion device operable to fit securely in an anatomical passageway within a head of a human. The occlusion device is configured to move unitarily with the head when the occlusion device is installed in the anatomical passageway. The occlusion device is further configured to prevent passage of fluid through the anatomical passageway when the occlusion device is installed in the anatomical passageway. A position sensor is fixedly integrated into the occlusion device. The position sensor generates signals indicating a position of the occlusion device in three-dimensional space, thereby indicating the position of the head in three-dimensional space. A connector communicatively coupled to the position sensor is operable to receive and transmit the signals generated by the position sensor.