Serrated Blade Perforator for Inner Ear Aspiration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for diagnosing and treating inner ear disorders, such as sudden sensorineural hearing loss and Meniere's disease, are hindered by the anatomical inaccessibility of the cochlea, leading to non-specific treatments and potential harm due to traumatic perforation and contamination of perilymph samples.

Innovation Solution

A precision apparatus with a serrated blade configuration for controlled perforation of the round window membrane, allowing for atraumatic aspiration of perilymph, minimizing membrane damage and contamination, and enabling precise fluid analysis for personalized diagnostics and treatment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a hypodermic needle or myringotomy knife is used to create an opening in the round window membrane, then access to the inner ear is achieved, but the membrane suffers traumatic perforation and perilymph samples become contaminated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to inner earVSAvoidmembrane trauma and contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The punch device features a localized sharp tip for precise membrane perforation while the body of the device remains blunt and non-traumatic. The tip is specifically designed to penetrate the round window membrane cleanly, while the rest of the device structure prevents unnecessary tissue damage and contamination during insertion and aspiration operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the traditional cutting or piercing mechanical action (knife or beveled needle) with a controlled punching mechanism. The punch device creates a clean, circular opening through controlled force application rather than cutting or tearing, reducing membrane trauma. The aspiration function then replaces the need for larger surgical openings, allowing minimal access for diagnostic purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If a larger opening is created to facilitate implant insertion, then implant placement is easier, but perilymph leakage and contamination increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplant insertionVSAvoidperilymph leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The punch device creates a precisely controlled opening that is sufficient for aspiration and potentially for implant insertion, but not excessively large. The opening size is optimized to be just enough to achieve the diagnostic or therapeutic goal while minimizing perilymph leakage and contamination. This partial action approach avoids the need for larger traumatic openings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Ease of operation

If traditional perforation methods are used, then membrane penetration is achieved, but the hole size cannot be precisely controlled and membrane healing is inhibited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemembrane penetrationVSAvoidhole size control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The punch device creates a hole in the round window membrane that precisely replicates the circular geometry and controlled dimensions of the punch tip itself. The hole size is determined by the fixed dimensions of the punch opening, ensuring consistent, precise control over the perforation size. This copying mechanism eliminates the variability associated with traditional cutting or tearing methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS11413191B2Apparatus for perforation and aspiration of inner ear

Publication Date: 2022.08.16 THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIV IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK

AI summary

An apparatus for controlled perforation and aspiration of the inner ear.