Sphenoid Sinus Heat Exchange for Endocrine Temperature Set-Point Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for managing body temperature in humans and warm-blooded animals are inefficient and can have negative impacts, and there is a need for a non-invasive method to manipulate body temperature set-points for therapeutic purposes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that manipulate the body temperature by influencing the sphenoid sinuses to adjust the pituitary gland temperature, which in turn adjusts the body's temperature set-point, using heat exchange media or temperature-controlled probes to induce hypothermia or hyperthermia without chemicals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If external pharmaceuticals (NSAIDs, acetaminophen) are used to reduce body temperature, then fever can be reduced, but the body may experience negative impacts and limited efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sphenoid sinuses as an intermediary structure to access the pituitary gland. By applying temperature changes to the sphenoid sinuses (which are accessible through the nasal cavity), the invention indirectly influences the pituitary gland's temperature and subsequently the body's temperature set-point, avoiding direct pharmaceutical intervention and its associated harmful effects
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the chemical mechanism (pharmaceuticals) with a physical mechanism (thermal application). Instead of using chemicals to reduce fever, the patent applies controlled heating or cooling to the sphenoid sinuses to achieve temperature regulation through physical thermal transfer, thereby eliminating chemical side effects
2Temperature
If direct-body cooling methods are used to manage temperature, then body temperature can be reduced, but the endocrine system may be traumatized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies temperature changes locally to the sphenoid sinuses rather than cooling the entire body. This localized thermal application to a specific anatomical region (sphenoid sinuses adjacent to the pituitary gland) allows for precise control of the temperature stimulus to the endocrine system, reducing the risk of trauma while achieving the desired temperature set-point adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies temperature changes to the sphenoid sinuses before directly affecting the pituitary gland. This preliminary thermal application to the sinus cavity prepares the pathway and allows gradual influence on the pituitary gland's temperature, preventing sudden thermal shocks that could traumatize the endocrine system
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
Effectively manages body temperature by non-invasively adjusting the set-point, providing therapeutic benefits such as reducing fever or inducing hypothermia without causing trauma to the endocrine system.
Implementation Method 1
The method includes the steps of warming or cooling sphenoid sinuses externally resulting in manipulation of the temperature of the pituitary gland
Implementation Method 2
Alternatively, a temperature-controlled probe can be used that upon contact with the sphenoid sinuses provides for the heat exchange
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for manipulating a temperature set-point of a human or homeothermic-animal for increasing or decreasing the body temperature above or below the prevailing body temperature for therapeutic purposes. The method includes the steps of warming or cooling sphenoid sinuses externally resulting in manipulation of the temperature of the pituitary gland which in turn results in manipulation of the body-temperature set-point and the body temperature manipulates accordingly to the new temperature set-point. A heat exchange medium can be used to warm or cool sphenoid sinuses and thus the pituitary gland. The heat exchange fluid can be liquid, or gas maintained at a predetermined temperature. Alternatively, a temperature-controlled probe can be used that upon contact with the sphenoid sinuses provides for the heat exchange.