Segmented Nasal Splint Maintaining Airflow After Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nasal packing methods after surgery cause significant discomfort, obstruction, and risk of bleeding due to full nasal obstruction, which can deter patients from undergoing life-changing surgeries, as they do not allow for normal breathing and can damage the delicate nasal architecture.
Innovation Solution
A splintless post-operative medical device with tubular members and a bridging member, which can be adjusted and secured to maintain nasal passage openness, allowing for partial occupation of the nasal cavity, facilitating airflow and easy cleaning, and includes a specialized speculum for packing material placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If full nasal packing is used after surgery, then bleeding is reduced and nasal components are stabilized, but nasal obstruction is complete causing extreme discomfort and forcing mouth breathing
Solution Approach 1:
The nasal packing is divided into multiple segments: a first packing portion that contacts the nasal septum and a second packing portion that contacts the nasal floor, with a gap between them. This segmentation allows each portion to be positioned independently to provide hemostasis and structural support while maintaining a central airflow passage, thus reducing complete nasal obstruction and associated discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the nasal cavity are packed differently: the septum and floor are packed to provide stability and hemostasis, while the central area remains relatively clear to allow breathing. This local differentiation of packing density and composition resolves the contradiction between providing reliable structural support and maintaining adequate airflow.
2Reliability
If traditional nasal packing is used, then bleeding is controlled, but the patient experiences dry throat and extreme discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The packing device is segmented into multiple portions positioned at different locations (septum and floor) rather than using a single bulky pack. This segmentation allows bleeding control at critical areas while leaving the central airflow path clear, reducing throat dryness and improving overall patient comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication channel is provided that allows the patient to rinse their mouth with liquid, serving as an intermediary mechanism to alleviate throat dryness and discomfort without compromising the packing's ability to control bleeding. This intermediary solution addresses the comfort issue while maintaining the reliability of the packing.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If nasal packing is used for five days, then healing is supported, but the patient's sense of smell is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The packing device uses multiple portions positioned strategically to provide healing support for the specified duration while maintaining a central airflow passage. This segmentation allows the packing to remain in place for five days to support healing without completely blocking the nasal passages, thus reducing olfactory compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The packing provides localized support at the septum and floor where it is most needed for healing, while leaving the central area relatively clear. This local quality differentiation allows the packing to maintain its healing-support function for five days while minimizing impact on the patient's sense of smell.
4Stability of the object's composition
If splint with integral breathing passages is used, then nasal septum is stabilized, but the breathing tubes become obstructed and require medical attention
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization function is segmented from the breathing function: the first and second packing portions provide septal and floor stabilization respectively, while the gap between them maintains a clear airflow passage. This segmentation prevents obstruction of the breathing tubes and eliminates the need for medical intervention to clear blockages.
Solution Approach 2:
The breathing passage is extracted from the packed areas by leaving a gap between the first and second packing portions. This extraction creates a dedicated airflow channel that is not subject to obstruction by the packing material, thus maintaining reliability of breathing while still providing adequate stabilization.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for maintaining nasal passages open after nasal surgery are provided. The post-operative device includes a first tubular member with a first proximal end and a first distal end, and a second tubular member with a second proximal end and a second distal end, where the first proximal end is connected to the second proximal end with a bridging member. The method includes inserting the post-operative device into the nasal passages and before, during or after inserting the device into the nasal passages, adjusting the medical device to accommodate the nasal passages by manipulating a flexible member of the medical device.