Nasal Cavity Pressure Sensing Balloon for Rhinitis Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing and treating rhinitis are inadequate due to unclear diagnostic criteria and limited effectiveness of treatments for non-allergic rhinitis, necessitating improved detection and efficacy prediction tools.
Innovation Solution
A device and system utilizing an inflatable member with a pressure sensing mechanism to measure tissue response pressure in the nasal cavity, allowing for the creation of pressure curves that differentiate between healthy and rhinitis-affected subjects, and enabling evaluation of treatment efficacy and prediction of treatment outcomes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional diagnostic methods (CT, MRI, volumetry, acoustic rhinometry, rhinomanometry) are used to study nasal patency, then general nasal openness and airflow can be measured, but accurate diagnosis of rhinitis types cannot be achieved due to unclear diagnostic criteria
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex imaging and acoustic systems with a simple pressure-based mechanical sensing system. An inflatable balloon catheter measures tissue response pressure directly, substituting CT, MRI, and acoustic rhinometry with a straightforward pressure measurement approach that yields diagnostically useful information without the complexity of those modalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from general nasal patency (airflow, volume) to specific tissue response pressure. By inflating the balloon to different pressures and measuring the tissue's response, the system obtains a pressure curve that serves as a diagnostic fingerprint for differentiating rhinitis types, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy through parameter transformation.
2Measurement precision
If pressure measurement devices are introduced into the nasal cavity, then tissue response pressure can be measured, but patient comfort and ease of operation may deteriorate due to invasive procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible inflatable balloon catheter that can be gently introduced into the nasal cavity. The balloon's flexibility allows it to conform to the nasal anatomy without causing significant discomfort, while still enabling precise pressure measurements. The thin-walled construction minimizes tissue displacement and patient discomfort during the procedure.
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
Enables accurate detection of rhinitis, evaluation of treatment efficacy, and prediction of treatment response by analyzing tissue response pressure curves, providing objective quantitative measures and facilitating appropriate treatment selection.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensing member configured to measure a pressure exerted on the inflatable member by the tissue of the nasal cavity
Implementation Method 2
an expansion member configured to expand the inflatable member to an expanded, second state within the nasal cavity such that the inflatable member abuts against the tissue of the nasal cavity
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for detecting rhinitis in a human subject includes an inflatable member that, in a first state, is configured to be introducible into the nasal cavity of the human subject; an expansion member configured to expand the inflatable member to an expanded, second state within the nasal cavity such that the inflatable member abuts against the tissue of the nasal cavity, and a pressure sensing member configured to measure a pressure exerted on the inflatable member by the tissue of the nasal cavity. A system for detecting rhinitis and methods for analyzing tissue response pressure, detecting rhinitis, predicting the efficacy of a planned rhinitis treatment and evaluating the efficacy of a previous rhinitis treatment are provided.