Surgical Forceps for Turbinate Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accessing and maneuvering within the nasal and sinus anatomy is challenging due to anatomical features like nasal conchae or turbinates, which can obstruct surgical procedures such as balloon sinuplasty.
Innovation Solution
A surgical forceps with a distal portion having a jaw portion with two paddles that can actuate between open and closed positions, allowing for the compression of turbinates without removing or cutting tissues, thereby improving access by reducing turbinate size for sinus dilation procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional surgical instruments are used to access nasal sinus anatomy, then the procedure can be performed, but anatomical structures (turbinates) obstruct access to desired locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the turbinate from uncompressed to compressed by applying mechanical force through the forceps. The compression temporarily reduces turbinate size, creating adequate space for surgical instruments to access the sinus anatomy that would otherwise be obstructed.
Solution Approach 2:
The forceps are used to compress the turbinate before the main sinus dilation procedure is performed. This preliminary compression action creates the necessary working space, allowing subsequent surgical instruments to be properly positioned and operated without obstruction.
2Ease of operation
If turbinate tissue is removed or cut to improve access, then space is created for surgical procedures, but excessive tissue damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of removing tissue, the forceps temporarily change the physical parameter of turbinate size through compression. This reversible compression maintains tissue integrity while creating the necessary space for surgical access, avoiding the harmful effects of tissue removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The forceps act as an intermediary device that temporarily modifies turbinate positioning and size without permanent tissue alteration. This intermediate compression state facilitates surgical access while preserving the turbinate for eventual recovery.
3Ease of operation
If force is applied to compress turbinate, then access space is created, but excessive compression causes tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The forceps paddles are designed with specific surface characteristics that distribute compression force locally across the turbinate tissue. This localized controlled compression creates adequate space while minimizing concentrated stress that would cause tissue damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The forceps apply partial compression sufficient to create working space but not excessive force that would cause tissue damage. The compression is calibrated to achieve the minimum necessary deformation to facilitate surgical access while preserving tissue integrity.
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
The forceps enable atraumatic compression of turbinates, providing additional space for surgical procedures without causing excessive tissue damage, allowing the turbinate to return to its original size over time, thus enhancing procedural access and safety.
Implementation Method 1
compressing the nasal turbinate with the surgical forceps by pressing the first flat inner clamping face against the first side of the nasal turbinate while simultaneously pressing the second flat inner clamping face against the second side of the nasal turbinate
Data Source
AI summary
Surgical forceps suited for use in the compression of turbinates in the human nasal system. The forceps are designs to prevent excessive tissue trauma as the turbinates are compressed. The compressed turbinates can provide additional maneuvering room within the nasal anatomy to perform subsequent surgical procedures.