Suction-Latched Tympanic Membrane Therapy for Stable Needle Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing therapies for the tympanic membrane are invasive and prone to damage due to the membrane's thinness and sensitivity, especially in children, making effective and safe delivery of drugs or devices challenging.
Innovation Solution
A therapeutic device that latches onto the tympanic membrane using suction and punctures it to deliver drugs or deploy tubes, ensuring stability during patient movement, with a flexible stem and controlled needle penetration to avoid damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If invasive therapy is applied to the tympanic membrane, then therapeutic delivery to the middle ear is achieved, but the thin membrane is prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a flexible stem that can bend and conform to the ear canal anatomy, allowing navigation to the tympanic membrane without rigid force. The flexible construction enables the device to adapt to patient movement while maintaining positioning, reducing the risk of membrane damage during therapeutic delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces an intermediary mechanism between the external application and the tympanic membrane, using a controlled delivery system that can precisely administer therapy through or near the membrane without direct invasive contact that would cause damage
2Ease of operation
If the patient moves their head during treatment, then patient comfort is maintained, but the delivery accuracy to the tympanic membrane deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates dynamic elements including a flexible stem that can move with patient head movement while maintaining its functional relationship with the tympanic membrane. The device adapts its position dynamically rather than requiring rigid fixation, preserving delivery accuracy despite patient movement
Solution Approach 2:
The device has self-adjusting capabilities where the flexible stem automatically conforms to changes in ear canal geometry caused by patient movement, maintaining proper positioning and delivery accuracy without requiring active correction by the operator
3Manufacturing precision
If a rigid delivery system is used, then delivery precision is improved, but patient movement causes instability
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible stem maintains delivery precision through its ability to bend and conform to the ear canal path while reaching the tympanic membrane. The flexibility allows the distal end to maintain stable positioning at the membrane even when the proximal end moves with patient head movement
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
Ensures safe and repeatable delivery of therapeutic agents to the middle ear, minimizing risk of injury and ensuring accurate placement despite patient movement.
Implementation Method 1
The tip of the stem is configured to latch onto the tympanic membrane by suction so that the needle does not move during performance of an operation
Data Source
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AI summary
A therapeutic device (1) has a stem (3) having a distal end (60) configured for insertion in a patient's ear canal with latching by suction to the tympanic membrane so that there is no relative movement despite patient head movement. A needle (63) punctures the membrane after suction is applied by negative pressure via a lumen (66). The needle tip is located within a suction cup which grips the membrane. A hand-held control device (2) is coupled to the stem and has a user-actuated controller (8) for controlling application of negative pressure (7) to the suction lumen.