Pharynx Aspiration Device With Balloon Barrier for Endonasal Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endonasal surgeries pose a significant risk of infectious particle exposure to medical professionals due to aerosolization of viruses like COVID-19, necessitating a device to minimize such exposure.
Innovation Solution
A nasopharynx aspiration device with an elongated balloon catheter and distal aspiration port is introduced through the mouth, inflating a balloon to occupy the nasopharynx space and aspirating infectious particles via a distal port, featuring superior and inferior aspirators for aerosols and liquids/solids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If endonasal surgery is performed to treat nasal cavity and sinus problems, then surgical access to hard-to-reach areas is improved, but exposure to aerosolized infectious particles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a balloon catheter as an intermediary device that occupies the nasopharynx space to act as a physical barrier between the surgical field and the surgeon. The inflated balloon captures and contains aerosolized particles generated during endonasal surgery, preventing them from dispersing into the surrounding operative area where the surgeon is positioned. This mediator approach allows the surgeon to maintain surgical access while the balloon handles the harmful particle containment function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the nasopharynx space by introducing a balloon catheter that divides the space into a contained region (behind the balloon) and an open region (in front of the balloon). The distal aspiration port is positioned distal to the balloon to specifically target and aspirate aerosolized particles in the nasopharynx space. This segmentation allows selective removal of harmful particles while maintaining surgical access through the nose.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If balloon is inflated to occupy nasopharynx space to block particle dispersion, then infectious particle containment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon catheter is designed to perform multiple functions: (1) inflating to occupy the nasopharynx space as a physical barrier, (2) providing a distal aspiration port for particle removal, and (3) maintaining structural support for the aspiration mechanism. By combining these functions into a single multi-functional device, the patent reduces overall system complexity compared to using separate barrier and aspiration devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the barrier function (balloon inflation) and the particle removal function (aspiration port) into a single integrated catheter device. The balloon and aspiration port are combined in one device rather than using separate barrier and suction systems, simplifying the overall device structure while achieving both containment and active particle removal.
3Productivity
If distal aspiration port is positioned distal to balloon for particle aspiration, then particle removal effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon is inflated first to occupy the nasopharynx space and create a contained environment before aspiration begins. This preliminary action establishes the barrier that directs aerosolized particles toward the distal aspiration port, making the subsequent aspiration process more effective. The pre-positioning of the balloon simplifies the aspiration mechanism's workload.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical particle capture mechanisms with a simpler aspiration-based system. Instead of using mechanical filters or complex trapping structures, the distal aspiration port uses negative pressure (suction) to actively draw particles toward it. This mechanical substitution simplifies the device structure while maintaining high particle removal effectiveness.
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
The device effectively minimizes exposure to aerosolized infectious particles by aspirating them during endonasal surgeries, protecting healthcare providers from contamination.
Implementation Method 1
inflating the balloon so that the balloon occupies the nasopharynx space
Implementation Method 2
aspirating any infectious particles within the nasopharynx space via the distal aspiration port
Data Source
AI summary
A method for minimizing infectious particle exposure during endonasal surgeries includes the steps of: introducing an aspiration device through a mouth of a patient and positioning a distal tip within the nasopharynx space, the aspiration device comprising an elongated balloon catheter having an inflatable balloon located within a distal region thereof and a distal aspiration port that is positioned distal to the balloon; inflating the balloon so that the balloon occupies the nasopharynx space; and aspirating any infectious particles within the nasopharynx space via the distal aspiration port.