Sensor-Coil Balloon Dilation for Electromagnetic Position Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing balloon dilation devices for sinus and Eustachian tube dilation require multiple invasive steps and rely on visual guidance, lacking precise positioning and orientation capabilities during minimally invasive surgery.

Innovation Solution

A balloon dilation device equipped with a sensor coil that captures an electromagnetic field, allowing for precise position and orientation determination using an electromagnetic position detection system, enabling direct tracking and visualization of the device within the body.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional visual guidance methods are used for balloon dilation, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but the positioning precision and orientation accuracy are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical visual guidance systems with an electromagnetic field-based sensor coil system. The sensor coil detects electromagnetic fields to determine the balloon dilation device's position and orientation in three-dimensional space, providing precise tracking without relying on mechanical markers or visual line-of-sight methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary between the balloon dilation device and the tracking system. The sensor coil on the device interacts with electromagnetic fields generated by external tracking systems, enabling indirect but precise measurement of device position and orientation without direct mechanical contact or visual observation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If multiple invasive steps are used for sinus and Eustachian tube dilation, then the procedure can be completed, but the surgery time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurgery efficiencyVSAvoidsurgery time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements real-time feedback through the sensor coil system, which continuously monitors the balloon dilation device's position and orientation during the procedure. This feedback is displayed to the surgeon, enabling immediate adjustments and eliminating the need for multiple trial insertions or repeated positioning attempts, thereby reducing overall surgery time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables preliminary positioning verification through electromagnetic field detection before actual dilation begins. The sensor coil allows the surgeon to confirm correct device placement and orientation in advance, preventing the need for corrective maneuvers during the dilation process and streamlining the overall procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Reduces the number of invasive steps and surgery time by providing real-time, precise positioning and orientation guidance, enhancing surgical accuracy and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one sensor coil is configured for capturing an electromagnetic field and for providing a sensor coil signal representing position and orientation of the sensor coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field capture: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250303129A1Balloon dilation device
Publication Date: 2025.10.02 FIAGON GMBH
  • US20250303129A1 patent drawing
  • US20250303129A1 patent drawing
  • US20250303129A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention related to a balloon dilation device having a distal end and a proximal end. The balloon dilation device comprises a handle, a shaft, an inflatable balloon and at least one sensor coil. The handle extends from the proximal end of the balloon dilation device towards the distal end of the balloon dilation device. The shaft extends from the distal end of the balloon dilation device towards the proximal end of the balloon dilation device, said shaft having an inflation lumen. The inflatable balloon is fixedly arranged at the shaft. The balloon is fluidly connected to the inflation lumen such that the balloon can be inflated and deflated by feeding a fluid through the inflation lumen into the balloon. The at least one sensor coil is arranged at the shaft. The at least one sensor coil is configured for capturing an electromagnetic field and for providing a sensor coil signal representing position and orientation of the sensor coil.