Sinus Catheter Balloon Occlusion and Suction Irrigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current balloon sinuplasty procedures face challenges in effectively managing irrigation fluids, which can cause patient discomfort due to fluid running down the throat, and there is a need for improved visualization and positioning of dilation balloons within anatomical passageways.
Innovation Solution
A dilation catheter system comprising a guide catheter, dilation catheter, and illuminating guidewire, along with an endoscope, is used to position and visualize the balloon within the anatomical passageway, and a catheter with occlusion and irrigation capabilities to manage fluids, allowing for precise dilation and simultaneous irrigation and suction without fluid running down the throat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If irrigation fluid is used during balloon sinuplasty, then the sinus cavity is effectively cleaned and diluted, but the irrigation fluid runs down the patient's throat causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the irrigation fluid from the system using a separate suction catheter. The suction catheter is positioned within the sinus cavity to actively remove irrigation fluid and secretions, preventing them from running down the patient's throat while maintaining effective irrigation of the sinus cavity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a third component (suction catheter) as an intermediary to manage the irrigation fluid. This suction catheter acts as a mediator between the irrigation process and the patient's throat, intercepting and removing the fluid before it can cause discomfort.
2Measurement precision
If a variable direction view endoscope is used, then visualization within the anatomical passageway is improved, but additional visual confirmation of balloon positioning is still required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses light-emitting elements (LEDs or fluorescent markers) on the balloon that emit visible light or fluorescent signals. These optical changes provide direct visual confirmation of the balloon's position within the sinus cavity, complementing the endoscopic visualization and eliminating uncertainty about proper placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces reliance solely on mechanical endoscopic visualization with an optical signaling system embedded in the balloon. The light-emitting elements provide direct optical feedback about balloon position, supplementing or replacing the need for complex endoscopic maneuvering and visual interpretation.
3Reliability
If multiple separate devices are used for dilation, irrigation, and suction, then each function can be optimized, but the device complexity and procedural time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (dilation via balloon catheter, irrigation via infusion lumen, and suction via suction lumen) into a single integrated catheter system. This unified device allows all three functions to be performed simultaneously through one access point, reducing procedural complexity while maintaining functional optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional catheter that serves as dilator, irrigator, and suction device simultaneously. The single catheter incorporates multiple lumens and functional elements that allow it to perform diverse tasks, eliminating the need for multiple separate devices while maintaining the benefits of each function.
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 system enables precise balloon positioning, effective dilation of anatomical passageways, and efficient management of irrigation fluids, reducing patient discomfort and improving procedural efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
an occluding balloon configured to seal the sinus ostium
Implementation Method 2
a suction port configured to suction the irrigation fluid from the sinus through the catheter
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a flexible catheter which may have a plurality of lumens extending from a proximal end to a distal end, a suction opening in fluid communication with a first lumen, a plurality of irrigating openings in fluid communication with a second lumen, a dilator in fluid communication with a third lumen and an occluding balloon in fluid communication with the fourth lumen. The catheter may be used to dilate an ostium, occlude the ostium, irrigate a sinus, and suction a sinus.