Tympanic Membrane Tube Delivery System with Automated Incision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current tympanostomy tube placement methods require multiple devices and steps, increasing the likelihood of error, especially in young children, and can result in premature tube fallout and scarring due to large myringotomies.

Innovation Solution

A system with a cam-based mechanism that automatically punctures and delivers a tympanic membrane equalization tube using a single device, minimizing operator steps and ensuring proper placement with a spring-loaded camshaft and cam followers to form an incision and dilate it for tube insertion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple tools and operator-performed steps are used for tube placement, then the procedure can be performed with standard devices, but the likelihood of error increases and the procedure requires general anesthesia

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplacement accuracyVSAvoidnumber of devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate tools (speculum, scalpel, tube placement device, suction device) into a single integrated automated delivery system. The system performs myringotomy, tube insertion, and fluid aspiration through one unified device operated by a single action, eliminating the need for multiple operator-performed steps and reducing placement errors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs the myringotomy and tube placement automatically upon activation, without requiring continuous operator manipulation. The automated mechanism executes the procedure with consistent precision, reducing human error and eliminating the need for general anesthesia in many cases

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If a large myringotomy is made to allow tube passage, then the tube can be inserted, but the tube falls out sooner and scarring increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetube insertionVSAvoidtube retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the critical parameter of myringotomy size by using a controlled automated cutting mechanism that creates a precisely sized incision. The incision is made small enough to prevent premature tube fallout and minimize scarring, yet large enough to allow proper tube insertion, optimizing both tube retention and healing outcomes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of creating a large incision with an automated controlled-cutting mechanism. This substitution allows for precise control of incision dimensions, creating optimally sized openings that balance tube insertion ease with tube retention and reduced scarring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3329888B1Tympanic membrane pressure equalization tube delivery system

Publication Date: 2019.08.28 TUSKER MEDICAL INC

Figure 1A~1D
Figure 1E~1G
Figure 1H

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for automatically forming an incision in a tympanic membrane of an ear and placing a tympanic membrane pressure equalization tube into the incision. The systems include a housing with a shaft (104) extending therefrom. A mechanism is disposed within the housing. A distal end of the shaft is placed against a tympanic membrane, and the mechanism is triggered to cause the tympanic membrane to be automatically incised and dilated and a tympanic membrane pressure equalization tube (140) to be placed in the dilated incision.