Segmented Medical Dilator Tool Point for Sinus Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical dilating instruments lack sufficient stability and tactile control for effectively widening osseous structures, such as in frontal sinus surgery, and are prone to tissue penetration and limited force transmission.
Innovation Solution
A medical dilating instrument with a tool point composed of pivotable segments that enclose the actuating element, allowing for strong widening and sensitive actuation, featuring a conical tapering design for stable penetration and a removable elastic casing for tissue prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tool point consists of several lamellae that are bound together distally and compressed by the actuating element, then the lamellae can widen radially in a balloon-like manner, but the lamellae buckle inward when used for removing osseous growths
Solution Approach 1:
The tool point is divided into multiple individual segments that can pivot independently relative to each other. Each segment can be actuated separately by the actuating element, allowing controlled radial widening while maintaining overall structural integrity. This segmentation enables the tool to adapt to different tissue types - soft tissue spreading versus osseous growth removal - without structural failure.
2Ease of operation
If the tool point consists of several lamellae that are not bound together on the distal end, then the lamellae can be bent open radially by a thickening on the actuating element, but the tool point is open even in non-spread position allowing tissue penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The segments are designed to be dynamically controllable - they can transition between a closed configuration (when not in use) and an opened configuration (when actuated). The actuating element with its distal thickening provides the mechanical advantage to pivot segments radially outward only when needed, while spring elements or geometric constraints maintain the closed position during storage and transport, preventing tissue penetration.
3Ease of operation
If the elastically bendable lamellae are used in the tool point, then the lamellae can widen radially, but the user has only limited tactile control in the functioning of the tool point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs form-stable pivoting elements instead of purely elastic bendable lamellae. This changes the mechanical parameter from continuous elastic deformation to discrete pivoting motion. The form-stable segments provide defined stop positions and maintain their shape after deformation, giving the operator precise tactile feedback and control over the widening process, while still achieving the necessary radial expansion for effective dilution of osseous structures.
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 instrument provides enhanced stability and tactile control, preventing tissue penetration and allowing for effective widening of osseous growths with reduced risk of injury, while maintaining a secure and cleanable design.
Implementation Method 1
the inner contour of the individual segments of the tool point is configured in such a way that, in a displacement of the thickened distal end of the actuating element, the segments pivot radially outward
Implementation Method 2
a removable elastic casing for tissue prevention
Data Source
AI summary
A medical instrument for dilating osseous structures, with a shaft on whose distal end a tool point is positioned and on whose proximal end a handle is positioned, such that the handle and the tool point are in active connection with one another by means of an actuating element in such a way that by actuating the handle the tool point can spread radially at least partially and where the distal end of the actuating element has a thickened configuration. To provide a dilating instrument that is sufficiently stable and allows for sensitive actuation, it is proposed with the invention that the tool point should consist of several segments that can radiate radially outward and enclose the thickened distal end of the actuating element essentially completely, when the tool point is in the closed position.