Nasal Valve Diagnostic Tool for Dynamic Collapse Quantification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for quantifying nasal valve collapse are inadequate, as they fail to capture dynamic effects and often mask or misrepresent the severity of nasal valve collapse, lacking a high-resolution, objective assessment.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic tool and method that involves receiving images of the nasal valve during inhalation and between exhalation and inhalation, measuring airflow rates, and comparing these images to quantify the size difference and calculate the relative distance between the septum and lateral wall, thereby objectively assessing nasal valve collapse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If acoustic rhinometry is used to quantify nasal obstruction, then a static measurement of cross-sectional area is obtained, but dynamic nasal valve collapse cannot be captured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic imaging techniques that capture nasal valve morphology during different phases of respiration (inspiration and expiration). The system uses high-resolution images taken at specific moments in the respiratory cycle to visualize and measure the nasal valve's changing geometry, thereby capturing the dynamic collapse effect that static measurements miss.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic method utilizes the periodic nature of respiration to obtain multiple images at different phases (inspiration and expiration). By analyzing the nasal valve structure during these periodic cycles, the system can quantify the dynamic collapse that occurs during inspiration while the patient is in a resting state during expiration.
2Measurement precision
If rhinomanometry is used to measure pressure and flow, then quantitative data is obtained, but the mask and adhesive seal alter the nasal lateral wall and confound measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a specialized imaging system with a camera positioned to capture the nasal valve through a port in a mask. This intermediary imaging approach allows measurement of the nasal valve's structural changes without requiring adhesive seals that directly contact and alter the nasal lateral wall, thus eliminating the confounding effect while still obtaining quantitative data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical measurement system (rhinomanometry with adhesive seals and masks) with an optical imaging system. By using high-resolution images captured during respiration to measure nasal valve geometry and collapse, the system substitutes mechanical pressure/flow measurements with visual quantification, avoiding the harmful mechanical contact and alteration of the nasal structure.
3Ease of operation
If endoscopic visualization with manual grading is used, then nasal valve collapse can be observed, but the resolution is limited to grades 0-3 and lacks objective quantification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual grading system with an automated image analysis system. By using computer processing to measure the distance between the nasal septum and lateral wall from high-resolution images, the system objectively quantifies the degree of collapse with precision beyond the manual 0-3 grade scale, while maintaining the ease of endoscopic visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy (image) of the nasal valve structure during different phases of respiration. By analyzing these digital copies through image processing algorithms, the system can precisely measure and quantify the nasal valve's structural changes without the limitations of manual grading, achieving high-resolution objective quantification.
4Reliability
If surgical treatments adding stiffness to the nasal lateral wall are performed, then nasal valve collapse is reduced, but there is no objective method to assess treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides a diagnostic feedback mechanism that quantifies nasal valve collapse before and after surgical treatment. By using the same high-resolution imaging and automated measurement system to assess the nasal valve structure at different time points, the system objectively measures the reduction in collapse and provides feedback on treatment effectiveness, enabling evidence-based evaluation of surgical outcomes.
Data Source
AI summary
A diagnostic tool and methods of using the tool are provided to quantify an amount of nasal collapse in a patient. The diagnostic tool includes a mask with an endoscope port and an opening to allow air flow, an endoscope with a camera adapted to take an image of the nasal valve, and an air flow sensor adapted to measure an inhalation rate of the patient. The diagnostic tool can quantify a size difference between the nasal valve during inhalation and zero flow by calculating a percentage difference in an area or one or more dimensions of the nasal valve during inhalation and zero flow.