Trans-Eustachian Multi-Function System for Middle Ear Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for accessing and visualizing the middle ear space are invasive and challenging due to limited accessibility and the delicate nature of the anatomical structures within.
Innovation Solution
A trans-eustachian multi-function system is introduced, comprising a body configured for disposition within the eustachian tube, with a distal anchor to releasably anchor the system against the tube's wall, facilitating improved visualization and accessibility to the middle ear space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If traditional invasive surgical approaches (postauricular approach or mastoidectomy) are used to access the middle ear space, then visualization and accessibility to the middle ear space are improved, but the invasiveness and complexity of the procedure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the access pathway into segments: the eustachian tube serves as a separate access route from the external ear canal, allowing surgical instruments to reach the middle ear space through a different anatomical corridor. This segmentation enables minimally invasive access while maintaining good visualization and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The eustachian tube acts as an intermediary pathway between the nasopharynx and the middle ear space. By using this intermediate structure as the access route, the system avoids the need for invasive external surgical approaches while still achieving the necessary visualization and accessibility to the middle ear structures.
2Ease of operation
If traditional invasive surgical approaches are used to access the middle ear space, then accessibility to delicate anatomical structures is improved, but the risk of damage to these structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of accessing the middle ear space from the external ear canal (traditional approach), the system inverts the access direction by entering through the eustachian tube from the nasopharynx. This reverse approach provides accessibility to the same anatomical structures while reducing the risk of damage because the instruments enter through a different, more controlled pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by utilizing the specific anatomical characteristics of the eustachian tube pathway. The tubular structure provides a natural, protected corridor that guides instruments to the middle ear space, allowing precise access to delicate structures like the ossicle chain and tympanic membrane while minimizing the risk of accidental damage.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally invasive techniques are used to access the middle ear space, then the invasiveness of the procedure is reduced, but visualization and accessibility are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The eustachian tube access pathway serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides minimally invasive access, maintains good visualization of the middle ear space, and enables accessibility to delicate anatomical structures. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction by showing that a single access route can achieve all three goals without compromise.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to a trans-eustachian multi-function system. The trans-eustachian multi-function system comprises a body configured for disposition within a eustachian tube, the body comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a transverse cross-sectional shape, a longitudinally-extending length, an outer wall configured for disposition proximate a wall of the eustachian tube, and an inner portion defining a passageway; and a distal anchor disposed proximate the distal end, the distal anchor configured to releasably anchor the body against the wall of the eustachian tube.