Sinus Balloon Dilation Catheter for Precise, Low-Trauma Expansion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Sinusitis, a condition affecting millions, often persists due to obstructed sinus cavities and compromised drainage pathways, which conventional treatments may not adequately address, particularly chronic and recurrent cases.

Innovation Solution

A balloon dilation catheter with a malleable guide tube, a movable sleeve member, and an inflatable balloon is used to dilate sinus lumens, allowing for precise expansion and minimization of tissue trauma, enhancing drainage and ventilation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional balloon dilation devices are used to treat sinusitis, then sinus passageways can be dilated to improve drainage, but the devices lack the ability to precisely control expansion and minimize tissue trauma

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of balloon expansionVSAvoidtissue trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter is divided into distinct functional segments: a guide tube for positioning, a movable sleeve member for controlling balloon deployment, and an inflatable balloon for dilation. This segmentation allows independent control of each component, enabling precise expansion at the target location while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sleeve member is designed to be movable relative to the guide tube, allowing dynamic adjustment of the balloon's position and expansion timing. This dynamic control enables the balloon to be deployed precisely when and where needed, improving expansion precision while reducing unnecessary tissue contact and trauma.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If traditional sinus surgery is performed to treat chronic sinusitis, then drainage pathways can be opened, but functional mucosal tissue is compromised and recovery is extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedurability of sinus drainage improvementVSAvoidrecovery time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The balloon dilation device performs the dilation function through self-contained mechanical inflation, eliminating the need for external surgical intervention. The balloon is inflated within the sinus passage to mechanically dilate the ostium, providing a durable improvement in drainage without compromising mucosal tissue or requiring extended recovery time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces traditional surgical mechanical systems (scalpels, drills, etc.) with a controlled balloon inflation mechanism. The balloon's controlled expansion provides sufficient mechanical force to dilate the sinus ostium while preserving surrounding tissue, achieving durable drainage improvement without the trauma and recovery time associated with conventional surgery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple surgical interventions are performed to treat recurrent sinusitis, then drainage can be improved, but device complexity and treatment burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness for chronic and recurrent sinusitisVSAvoidcomplexity of treatment protocol

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter device is designed with universal applicability for treating various sinus conditions including chronic and recurrent sinusitis. The same balloon dilation mechanism can be used across different sinus ostia and patient cases, providing effective treatment without requiring multiple different devices or complex procedural variations, thereby reducing treatment burden while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The catheter effectively expands sinus passageways, restoring mucous transport and reducing inflammation, providing a durable solution for chronic and recurrent sinusitis.

Implementation Method 1

The balloon is then expanded to open or reduce the degree of constriction in the sinus passageway being treated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBalloon inflation:

Data Source

PatentUS20250213834A1Sinus Balloon Dilation Catheters and Sinus Surgery Tools

Publication Date: 2025.07.03 STRYKER CORP

AI summary

Inventive embodiments disclosed herein include a catheter for dilating a sinus cavity lumen. The catheter includes a guide tube, having a proximal end and a distal end, that terminates in a distal tip; a sleeve member annularly positioned over the guide tube, wherein the sleeve member is movable relative to the guide tube and is capable of being advanced over the guide tube; and a balloon coupled to the sleeve member, wherein the balloon can be extendable and inflated at or beyond the end of the guide tube.