Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block Device with Expandable Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sphenopalatine ganglion block procedures are unpleasant for patients due to medication flowing down the throat and lack of accurate localization of the sphenopalatine ganglion without external imaging systems.
Innovation Solution
A surgical device with a handle, flexible tubular member, and expandable member that allows for accurate localization and retention of medication near the sphenopalatine ganglion, preventing throat flow, featuring an illumination device and pressure relief valve for comfort and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional techniques are used to deliver medication to the sphenopalatine ganglion, then the procedure can be performed without specialized equipment, but the medication flows down the patient's throat causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable member is inflated before medication delivery to establish a barrier that prevents medication from flowing down the throat. This preliminary action of expanding the barrier ensures that when medication is subsequently delivered, it remains contained in the nasal cavity and cannot flow into the throat, thus resolving the contradiction between procedural simplicity and preventing harmful medication flow.
2Device complexity
If conventional devices are used without imaging systems, then the procedure requires less equipment, but accurate localization of the sphenopalatine ganglion cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable member serves as an intermediary tool that enables accurate localization of the sphenopalatine ganglion without requiring external imaging systems. By providing a visible and tactile reference point within the nasal cavity, the expandable member mediates between the simple device structure and the need for precise anatomical localization, allowing the practitioner to accurately identify the target area through direct visualization and manipulation rather than complex imaging equipment.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the expandable member is used to prevent medication flow, then patient comfort is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable member is integrated directly into the medication delivery device, merging the barrier function with the delivery function in a single unified structure. This combination eliminates the need for separate barrier devices and delivery systems, achieving effective medication containment while minimizing overall device complexity through functional integration rather than additive design.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices to quickly and accurately locate the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) while performing a sphenopalatine ganglion block procedure that introduces a medication to the SPG. The methods and devices also prevent the medication applied to the SPG from flowing down a patient's throat during the procedure.