Sinus Gripping System with Illuminating Guidewire for Balloon Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for dilating anatomical passageways in the ear, nose, or throat lack effective visualization and positioning confirmation of balloons before inflation, which can lead to inaccuracies in dilation procedures.
Innovation Solution
A gripping system comprising a handle with seeker portions, a detachable guide catheter, and a guidewire with a light cable for transillumination, allowing for precise positioning and visualization of the balloon within the sinus cavity using a variable direction endoscope.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If an illuminating guidewire is used to provide transcutaneous illumination for visual confirmation of guidewire position, then visualization capability is improved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an illuminating guidewire as an intermediary device that carries light through the tissue to provide transcutaneous illumination. This mediator enables visualization of the target area and guidewire position without requiring direct line-of-sight endoscopic viewing, thus improving visualization capability while maintaining a relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical endoscopic visualization system with an optical illumination system. Instead of using a complex mechanical endoscope to visualize the guidewire position, the system uses light transmission through the tissue to provide visual feedback, substituting a simpler optical mechanism for a more complex mechanical one.
2Measurement precision
If a variable direction view endoscope is used to provide visualization within the anatomical passageway, then the field of view and positioning accuracy are improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for flexible shaft manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by using transcutaneous illumination to visualize the guidewire position from outside the body, rather than inserting an endoscope inside the anatomical passageway to visualize from within. This inversion eliminates the need for flexible shaft manipulation while maintaining positioning accuracy.
3Productivity
If the balloon is inflated without visual confirmation of proper positioning, then the procedure time is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and positioning accuracy worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary visualization using transcutaneous illumination to confirm guidewire and balloon positioning before inflation. This preliminary action ensures accurate positioning is achieved and verified beforehand, preventing mispositioning during the actual inflation procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visual feedback through transcutaneous illumination that allows the operator to see the guidewire position and balloon location through the skin. This feedback mechanism enables real-time verification of positioning accuracy without significantly extending the procedure time, as the illumination is continuously available during the procedure.
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 accurate and controlled dilation of anatomical passageways by providing clear visualization and confirmation of the balloon's position, ensuring effective remodeling of the bone and improved drainage and ventilation.
Implementation Method 1
An illuminating guidewire may be positioned within the target area and then illuminated, with light projecting from the distal end of the guidewire. This light may illuminate the adjacent tissue and thus be visible to the naked eye from outside the patient through transcutaneous illumination.
Data Source
AI summary
A gripping system for use in treating the sinus cavity is described. The system includes a handle for single handed operation that includes access to the sinus cavity and treatment by dilation of an anatomical passageway within the ear, nose or throat. The handle contains a guide catheter or seeker for proper placement of the system and further includes a balloon catheter cartridge for treatment of the cavity. The handle may further contain a guidewire cartridge to ensure proper access of the cavity or a stabilizing feature for incorporation of an endoscope.