Syringe Inflator for Controlled Sinus Dilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dilation procedures for anatomical passageways lack easy and controlled inflation/deflation mechanisms, particularly for single-operator use, with existing systems being complex and not adequately addressing the need for precise pressure control and efficient fluid management.
Innovation Solution
A dilation catheter system with an inflator that includes a syringe barrel, plunger, and pressure gauge, allowing for controlled inflation and deflation of a dilator within an anatomical passageway, featuring various configurations such as knob-actuated, rotary, and crankshaft assemblies for precise pressure adjustment and one-handed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a syringe-based inflator is used for balloon inflation, then precise pressure control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inflator device merges the syringe mechanism with the balloon catheter assembly into an integrated unit. The syringe barrel is coupled directly to the balloon, allowing the operator to inflate and deflate the balloon through a single handheld device. This integration provides precise pressure control through syringe volume control while managing device complexity by combining multiple functions (inflation, deflation, pressure control) into one unified mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflator device enables self-contained operation where the syringe mechanism automatically controls fluid volume and pressure without requiring external pumps or complex control systems. The operator directly manipulates the syringe plunger to control balloon inflation and deflation, creating a self-regulating system that provides precise pressure control through manual volume adjustment.
2Reliability
If a complex inflator system is used to achieve controlled inflation/deflation, then pressure control is improved, but ease of operation for single operator deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The inflator device is segmented into distinct functional components: a syringe barrel for volume control, a plunger for actuation, and a coupling mechanism to the balloon catheter. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, providing reliable pressure control through the syringe mechanism while maintaining ease of operation through simple plunger actuation that can be performed by a single operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The syringe acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the balloon catheter. Instead of directly manipulating complex pressure control mechanisms, the operator simply pushes the syringe plunger, and the syringe's internal mechanism translates this simple motion into controlled volume and pressure changes in the balloon. This intermediary approach maintains reliability while significantly improving ease of operation.
3Productivity
If fluid is withdrawn from the system after use, then the inflator can be reused, but loss of time occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The inflator device is designed to maintain continuous fluid communication between the syringe and the balloon catheter. After deflation, the fluid remains in the syringe barrel and can be immediately reused for the next inflation cycle without requiring withdrawal or disposal. This continuous fluid pathway eliminates the time-consuming step of fluid removal, allowing rapid sequential dilation of multiple passageways while maintaining productivity.
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 efficient, controlled, and precise dilation of anatomical passageways with improved single-operator usability, allowing for repeated use of fluid volume to dilate multiple passageways without withdrawal, ensuring consistent pressure and ease of operation.
Implementation Method 1
inflating the balloon with a fluid (e.g., saline) to dilate the anatomical passageway
Implementation Method 2
the expandable balloon may be positioned within an ostium at a paranasal sinus and then be inflated, to thereby dilate the ostium by remodeling the bone adjacent to the ostium
Data Source
AI summary
A dilation catheter system is provided to dilate the ostium of a paranasal sinus; or to dilate some other anatomical passageway (e.g., within the ear, nose, or throat, etc.). The dilation catheter system may include a dilation catheter, a dilator, a guide catheter, and an inflator. The dilation catheter may be positioned between the dilator and the inflator. The guide catheter may be inserted within the affected passageway to allow the dilator to be positioned through the guide catheter and into the affected passageway. The inflator may then be actuated to transfer fluid from the inflator, through the dilation catheter, and into the dilator. The transfer of fluid may inflate the dilator to an expanded state to open or dilate the affected passageway.