Sinus Guide System with Endoscope Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical procedures for functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) often require the removal or modification of normal anatomical structures to accommodate rigid instruments, limiting visualization and increasing radiation exposure due to the need for fluoroscopy, and necessitate an assistant for instrument manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A sinus guide system with a continuous endoscope channel allows for adjustable viewing aligned with the axis of movement, enabling visualization around anatomical obstructions without fluoroscopy and allowing single-handed operation of both the endoscope and instruments, using a transnasally insertable elongate shaft with an endoscope channel and a working device channel, facilitating the integration of endoscopes with sinus guides for improved visualization and reduced radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If rigid surgical instruments are used in FESS procedures, then surgical precision and control are improved, but anatomical structures must be removed or modified to accommodate them, increasing procedure invasiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible endoscopic instruments with thin, pliable shafts that can navigate through natural anatomical passages without requiring removal of structural barriers like the uncinate process. The flexible instrumentation allows passage through confined spaces while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional approach by using endoscopic visualization to create a visual pathway that bypasses physical anatomical barriers. The endoscope provides line-of-sight through tortuous paths, allowing instruments to reach targets without direct linear access.
2Ease of operation
If the uncinate process is removed to allow endoscopic visualization, then access to maxillary sinus ostium and ethmoidbulla is improved, but normal anatomical structures are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible endoscope and instrumentation can bend and conform to the natural anatomy, allowing visualization around the uncinate process rather than requiring its removal. The flexible shafts can navigate the curved pathways of the sinus ostia without needing to create straight-line access.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope creates a visual copy or representation of the anatomical structures through imaging, allowing the surgeon to see around corners and through obstacles without physically removing them. The visual field is replicated on a monitor, providing indirect access to hidden areas.
3Measurement precision
If fluoroscopy is used for guidance during sinus procedures, then instrument positioning accuracy is improved, but radiation exposure to patient and staff increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/radiological guidance system (fluoroscopy) with an optical system (endoscopy). The endoscope provides direct visual feedback through light and imaging, eliminating the need for ionizing radiation while maintaining positioning accuracy through real-time visual monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope acts as an intermediary between the surgeon and the surgical field, providing visual information that guides instrument placement without requiring radiation-based imaging. The optical intermediary allows indirect observation of deep sinus structures without exposing personnel to radiation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments are manipulated during FESS, then surgical capability is improved, but an assistant is required, increasing procedure complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated endoscopic instrument system. The endoscope can perform visualization, irrigation, suction, and instrument guidance through a single device, eliminating the need for separate manual manipulation of multiple independent instruments and reducing the need for additional personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscopic system is designed with universal capabilities to perform multiple surgical tasks through a single access point. Different functional components can be introduced through the endoscope channel, allowing one instrument system to replace multiple specialized instruments and reduce procedural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Medical devices, systems and methods that are useable to facilitate transnasal insertion and positioning of guidewires and various other devices and instruments at desired locations within the ear, nose, throat, paranasal sinuses or cranium. Direct viewing of such placements via an endoscope.