Sinus Access Sheath With Cutting Grooves For Re-Orientation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for accessing sinus cavities lack the ability to re-orient the access passageway to accommodate various working instruments effectively, which is crucial for treating sinusitis and other conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an access sheath with a distal tubular portion featuring cutting surfaces, such as longitudinally oriented grooves, allows for external access to sinus cavities and enables re-orientation by rotating and panning the sheath, facilitating the placement of different instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed access passageway is formed into the sinus cavity, then access to the sinus cavity is achieved, but the ability to re-orient the access path to accommodate different working instruments is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The access system is divided into separate components: a reusable access sheath that remains in the sinus cavity and removable working instruments that can be inserted and withdrawn. This segmentation allows different instruments to be used through the same access point without removing or repositioning the access sheath, thereby accommodating various working instruments while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The access sheath is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of working instruments including endoscopes, cannulas, guide wires, balloon dilation catheters, irrigation catheters, and aspiration catheters. This multi-functionality allows a single access system to serve multiple therapeutic and diagnostic purposes, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If an access tool is oriented along a particular angle for initial access, then penetration into the sinus cavity is achieved, but subsequent re-orientation toward the sinus ostium is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The access sheath incorporates a flexible or articulating distal portion that can be dynamically re-oriented after initial insertion. This dynamic capability allows the operator to adjust the angle and direction of the access path to align with the sinus ostium or target areas, making it easy to re-orient while the proximal portion remains stable for precise control and manufacturing alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the access sheath have different properties: the proximal portion is rigid or semi-rigid for precise insertion and control, while the distal portion is flexible or articulating for easy re-orientation. This local differentiation of mechanical properties allows the system to achieve both precise initial alignment and easy subsequent re-orientation without compromising manufacturing precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple working instruments are to be used in the sinus cavity, then comprehensive treatment is possible, but the need for multiple access points increases surgical complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The access sheath serves as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of working instruments including endoscopes for visualization, balloon dilation catheters for opening ostia, irrigation catheters for flushing, and aspiration catheters for removing debris. This universal interface allows comprehensive treatment of sinusitis and other sinus conditions through a single access point, eliminating the need for multiple separate access points and reducing surgical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Working instruments are designed to be inserted through and nested within the access sheath, similar to a doll within a doll. The access sheath acts as an outer container that guides and protects the inner working instruments during insertion and positioning. This nesting arrangement allows multiple instruments to be sequentially or simultaneously deployed through the same access point without increasing the number of external access points required.
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
Enables flexible and precise access to sinus cavities, allowing for effective treatment by re-orienting the access passageway to align with the sinus ostium, thereby improving the delivery of therapeutic and diagnostic instruments.
Implementation Method 1
the distal tubular portion comprising one or more cutting surfaces disposed about an external surface thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A system for accessing a sinus cavity of a subject includes an access tool configured to penetrate into the sinus cavity from a location external the subject. The system further includes an access sheath having a distal tubular portion, a lumen extending through the access sheath and the distal tubular portion and dimensioned to receive the access tool, the distal tubular portion comprising one or more cutting surfaces disposed about an external surface thereof. The one or more cutting surfaces may include a plurality of longitudinally oriented grooves for flutes disposed about the periphery of the distal tubular member.