Transnasal Guide Device with Integrated Endoscope Channel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical procedures for transnasal insertion and positioning of guidewires and instruments in the ear, nose, throat, and paranasal sinuses often require removal or modification of anatomical structures for adequate visualization and access, limiting the ability to view and use instruments effectively without fluoroscopy, which increases radiation exposure and requires additional assistance.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a transnasally insertable guide device with an elongate shaft and integrated endoscope channel allows for adjustable viewing aligned with the axis of movement, enabling visualization around anatomical obstructions without removing them, reducing the need for fluoroscopy, and allowing single-handed operation with an endoscope and tool, using a flexible endoscope that can be loaded onto curved tools and is inexpensive for single or limited use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If rigid surgical instruments are used for FESS procedures, then surgical precision and control are improved, but anatomical structures must be removed or modified to allow insertion and visualization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical precisionVSAvoidanatomical structure removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible endoscopes and catheters that can navigate through natural anatomical pathways without requiring removal of structures like the uncinate process. The flexible nature allows the instrument to conform to sinus anatomy and reach target locations through existing ostia, eliminating the need for aggressive surgical exposure while maintaining access capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces angularly oriented endoscope channels (e.g., 90-degree angles) relative to the catheter shaft, allowing the endoscope to view around corners and visualize structures that are not in direct line-of-sight. This dimensional reorientation enables visualization of deep sinus structures without requiring removal of intervening anatomy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If fluoroscopy is used for visualization during guidewire insertion, then real-time imaging is improved, but radiation exposure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time imagingVSAvoidradiation exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces fluoroscopic imaging with direct endoscopic visualization through integrated endoscope channels. The endoscope provides real-time optical imaging of guidewire and catheter advancement through the sinuses, eliminating the need for ionizing radiation while maintaining continuous visual feedback during the procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The endoscope serves multiple functions: visualizing guidewire insertion, confirming catheter placement, identifying anatomical landmarks, and detecting complications. This single instrument replaces fluoroscopy for all imaging needs during the procedure, providing comprehensive visualization without radiation exposure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple instruments are used simultaneously for endoscopic guidance and surgical intervention, then procedural capability is improved, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedural capabilityVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the endoscope, guidewire, and catheter into a single integrated delivery system where the endoscope travels through the catheter. This merging allows the operator to control both visualization and instrumentation with one hand, eliminating the need for separate assistants to manage independent endoscope and surgical instrument manipulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The endoscope is nested within the catheter shaft, with the endoscope channel running through the length of the catheter. This nested configuration allows the endoscope to be advanced to the target location within the sinus cavity while remaining protected by the catheter, and enables the operator to manipulate both instruments as a unified system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Illumination intensity

If expensive reusable endoscopes are used for transnasal procedures, then image quality is improved, but cost and sterilization requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidcost and sterilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs disposable endoscopes that are discarded after a single use or limited number of uses. These disposable instruments provide adequate image quality for the procedure while eliminating costly sterilization processes and reducing the risk of cross-contamination. The low cost allows for single-use configuration, ensuring sterility without requiring complex reprocessing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS9265407B2Endoscopic methods and devices for transnasal procedures

Publication Date: 2016.02.23 ACCLARENT INC

AI summary

Medical devices, systems and methods that are useable to facilitate transnasal insertion and positioning of guidewires and various other devices and instruments at desired locations within the ear, nose, throat, paranasal sinuses or cranium.