Sinus Dilation Probe With Integrated Aspiration, Irrigation, and Light

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing balloon sinus dilation systems require multiple steps and additional equipment for trans-illumination or image guidance, complicating the procedure and increasing operational complexity.

Innovation Solution

A multi-functional instrument system that integrates aspiration, fluid delivery, and illumination capabilities, allowing simultaneous execution of dilation, aspiration, and fluid delivery operations, with an integrated lighting system powered by a battery and waveguide for trans-nasal procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate instruments and external equipment are used for sinus dilation, then comprehensive treatment functions can be achieved, but device complexity and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment functionsVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate instruments (dilation balloon, aspiration catheter, irrigation catheter, lighting system) into a single integrated probe assembly. The balloon catheter, aspiration lumen, irrigation lumen, and waveguide are all incorporated into one unified device that can be inserted through a single nostril, eliminating the need for multiple separate instruments and reducing procedural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated instrument system performs multiple functions simultaneously: dilation of sinus ostia, aspiration of secretions, irrigation of sinus cavities, and trans-illumination for imaging. This multi-functional capability allows a single device to replace multiple specialized instruments while maintaining comprehensive treatment ability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Illumination intensity

If external light sources and image guidance systems are used, then trans-illumination and imaging capabilities are achieved, but the number of equipment requirements and procedural complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrans-illumination capabilityVSAvoidequipment requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The waveguide is nested within the protective sheath of the catheter, extending along its length. This integrated optical fiber system is contained within the instrument structure itself, eliminating the need for external lighting equipment while providing trans-illumination capability through the sinus tissues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The waveguide integrates lighting and imaging functions directly into the catheter system, allowing trans-illumination and potential imaging capabilities without requiring separate external light sources or image guidance systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple操作步骤 are used for sinus treatment, then comprehensive treatment can be achieved, but treatment time and procedural complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment comprehensivenessVSAvoidtreatment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument enables continuous simultaneous performance of dilation, aspiration, and irrigation operations. The balloon can be inflated while aspiration and irrigation continue uninterrupted, maintaining continuous therapeutic action rather than requiring sequential steps with transitions between different instruments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple treatment functions (dilation, aspiration, irrigation) are combined into a single instrument that can perform all operations simultaneously through a single insertion point, reducing the number of procedural steps and overall treatment time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Facilitates a streamlined, efficient sinus dilation process by reducing the number of steps and eliminating the need for external light sources or image guidance systems, enhancing procedural simplicity and effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

The instrument system includes a waveguide on the probe and having a light emitting end proximate the probe distal end

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission through waveguide: Waveguide (optics)

Implementation Method 2

Once correctly located and inflated, the balloon widens the walls of the sinus ostia or pathways

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBalloon dilation: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 3

executing an aspiration operation wherein the instrument system draws material into the aspiration lumen through the inlet port

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 4

executing a fluid delivery operation wherein the instrument system flows a fluid through the delivery lumen and out through the outlet port

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid delivery: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4440407B1Systems, instruments and methods for treating a subject
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 EXCELENT INC
  • EP4440407B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4440407B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4440407B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An instrument system for treating a subject includes an instrument including a base configured to be gripped by an operator, and an elongate probe including a probe proximal end coupled with the base and extending to a probe distal end. The probe includes an aspiration lumen terminating at an inlet port proximate the probe distal end, and a delivery lumen terminating at an outlet port proximate the probe distal end. The instrument also includes a waveguide on the probe and having a light emitting end proximate the probe distal end.