Syringe Pressure Indicator for Balloon Sinus Dilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sinus dilation systems are cumbersome, requiring multiple steps and instruments, and their inflation devices are often complex and costly, with a lack of pressure indication, leading to potential overfilling and complications during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A simplified inflation device for balloon sinus dilation that includes a syringe assembly with a mechanical pressure indicator, which alerts the user when the desired inflation pressure is reached, eliminating the need for pressure gauges and providing intuitive operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional inflation devices with pressure gauges are used, then pressure monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pressure indication function from complex electronic pressure gauges and implements it through a simple mechanical pressure indicator integrated into the syringe assembly. This mechanical indicator uses a spring-loaded plunger mechanism that visually displays pressure levels without requiring electronic components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining pressure monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical pressure indicator is self-regulating and automatically indicates pressure levels based on the inflation pressure applied to the balloon. The system uses the inflation pressure itself to drive the indicator mechanism, eliminating the need for separate sensors, power sources, or electronic processing systems
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional inflation devices with multiple components are used, then pressure control accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pressure indication function directly into the syringe assembly by integrating a mechanical pressure indicator that is visually coupled with the syringe barrel. This integration allows the operator to monitor pressure levels and control inflation accuracy while operating a single unified device, improving ease of operation without sacrificing pressure control precision
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical pressure indicator serves as an intermediary element between the inflation pressure and the operator's visual perception. It translates pressure information into a visible mechanical displacement that can be easily observed and interpreted, bridging the gap between pressure control and operator awareness
3Adaptability or versatility
If system is reprimed during procedure, then adaptability is improved, but risk of overpressurization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical pressure indicator is pre-calibrated to display pressure levels before inflation begins. During repriming operations, the indicator provides real-time visual feedback that allows the operator to monitor pressure accumulation and stop inflation at the appropriate level, preventing overpressurization while maintaining the ability to reprime the system as needed
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 device ensures accurate inflation pressure without overpressurization, reducing procedural complexity and costs, while enhancing safety and ease of use for sinus dilation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical pressure indicator, which alerts the user when the desired inflation pressure is reached
Implementation Method 2
The inflation device includes a syringe assembly with a mechanical pressure indicator
Data Source
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Figure 2B
AI summary
An inflation device for selectively inflating a balloon of a surgical instrument, the device comprising, a syringe (110) including a plunger (122) slidably disposed within a barrel (120); a connector (160) for fluidly connecting an outlet of the syringe with a surgical instrument balloon to establish a closed inflation system between the syringe and an interior of the balloon; a mechanical pressure indicator (104) associated with the syringe and configured to indicate when the inflation system pressure has reached a first predetermined level; and a relief port (218) configured to maintain the inflation system pressure below a second predetermined level, wherein the second predetermined level is higher than the first predetermined level.