Segmented Sinus Irrigation Catheter Stiffness Navigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical devices for treating sinusitis, such as irrigation catheters, lack efficiency and effectiveness in accessing and treating the paranasal sinuses, particularly in cases of chronic sinusitis, where multiple pathogen infections lead to persistent inflammation and blockage, requiring improved methods for drainage and ventilation.

Innovation Solution

A sinus irrigation catheter with a flexible distal portion, a rigid middle portion, and a proximal portion of intermediate stiffness, featuring a tip with radially facing openings and a stiffening member, designed for efficient navigation and irrigation/suction within the sinus anatomy, along with a system including a handle and guide catheter for precise delivery of fluids or suction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid irrigation catheter is used, then the catheter maintains its shape and positioning stability, but it cannot navigate the tortuous anatomy of the paranasal sinuses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter positioning stabilityVSAvoidanatomical navigation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter is divided into multiple segments with different stiffness characteristics: a rigid proximal portion for stable positioning and control, a flexible intermediate portion for navigating tortuous anatomy, and a soft distal tip for safe insertion. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function optimally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the catheter have locally optimized properties: the proximal portion is rigid for stability, the intermediate portion is flexible for navigation, and the distal tip is soft for safety. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between overall rigidity and local flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible irrigation catheter is used, then the catheter can navigate tortuous sinus anatomy, but it cannot maintain stable positioning for effective irrigation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanatomical navigation capabilityVSAvoidcatheter positioning stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If a single-stiffness catheter is used, then the manufacturing and design are simple, but it cannot simultaneously navigate tortuous anatomy and maintain positioning stability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidanatomical navigation and positioning capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of operation

If conventional irrigation methods are used, then the procedure is simple, but the drainage and ventilation of chronic sinusitis is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveirrigation procedure simplicityVSAvoidsinus drainage efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10806849B2Devices and methods for transnasal irrigation or suctioning of the sinuses

Publication Date: 2020.10.20 ACCLARENT INC

AI summary

An irrigation catheter for the treatment of the sinus anatomy is described. The catheter comprises a proximal portion, a rigid middle portion, and a flexible distal portion. The flexible distal portion comprises an irrigation tip and the proximal portion has a stiffness that is intermediate the stiffness of the rigid middle portion and the flexible distal portion. The irrigation tip has a tip opening and one or more radially facing openings. A method for irrigating or suctioning the sinus anatomy includes inserting an irrigation catheter into a patient's anatomy and irrigating or suctioning a target space.