Nasal Valve Suspension Device for Cartilage Collapse

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for correcting nasal valve collapse are complex, yield inconsistent results, and pose risks such as infection and facial aesthetic alterations, making them unsuitable for widespread use, especially in elderly patients or those with nasal surgery history.

Innovation Solution

A nasal valve suspension device with a body portion and head portion configured to engage the upper lateral cartilage and soft tissue overlying bony tissue, utilizing barbs to provide structural support and prevent cartilage collapse, which can be inserted endoscopically to stabilize the nasal valve.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If complex surgical procedures with tissue grafts are used to correct nasal valve collapse, then structural support is improved, but device complexity and surgical invasiveness increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidsurgical procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The implant serves as an intermediary device between the nasal valve structures, providing structural support without requiring complex tissue grafting procedures. The implant includes a body portion and head portion that work together to stabilize the nasal valve

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The implant is divided into distinct functional segments: a body portion for engagement with nasal structures and a head portion for providing structural support. This segmentation allows for simplified surgical insertion while maintaining effective structural reinforcement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If synthetic or autologous tissue grafts are used to reinforce lateral cartilages, then nasal airway obstruction is reduced, but risk of infection and extrusion increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenasal airway patencyVSAvoidinfection and extrusion risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The implant appears to be designed as a removable or replaceable device that can be inserted and removed without permanent implantation, reducing long-term infection risks associated with permanent synthetic or autologous grafts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The implant acts as a temporary intermediary structure that provides support during the critical period after surgery, allowing tissue healing without the long-term complications of permanent grafts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If bone-anchor suspension technique with sutures is used to prevent cartilage collapse, then tensile support is provided, but granuloma formation and suture complications occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetensile supportVSAvoidgranuloma formation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The implant replaces the suture-based mechanical suspension system with a direct structural support mechanism. The body portion and head portion provide mechanical support without requiring sutures that can cause granuloma formation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The implant serves as an intermediary structure that provides the necessary tensile support previously achieved through sutures, but without the harmful side effects of suture material reacting with nasal mucosa

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Strength

If traditional surgical methods are used to correct nasal valve collapse, then cartilage reinforcement is achieved, but facial aesthetic alterations and other functionality changes occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecartilage reinforcementVSAvoidfacial aesthetic alterations

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The implant provides localized reinforcement specifically at the nasal valve area where it is needed, without requiring extensive surgical manipulation of surrounding facial structures that could alter aesthetics or affect other nasal functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11806265B2Apparatus and methods for correcting nasal valve collapse

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 STRYKER CORP

AI summary

The present invention relates to apparatus ad methods for correcting nasal valve collapse comprising a device configured for suspending a nasal valve, the device comprising a body portion comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of barbs, wherein the body portion is configured to be inserted through or underneath the upper lateral cartilage of a patient and wherein the plurality of barbs are configured to engage a soft tissue overlying a bony tissue proximal to the upper lateral cartilage, and a head portion coupled to the proximal end of the body portion wherein the head portion is configured to engage the upper lateral cartilage of the patient when the plurality of barbs are engaged with the soft tissue overlying the bony tissue proximal to the upper lateral cartilage.