Fixation methods for traversing ear canals
A method and system of traversing a device through an accommodating conduit to reach a target area within the accommodating conduit can include varying an amount of elasticity of the device or an amount of torsion moment of the device applied to the accommodating conduit or varying both to minimize bending forces as the device traverses the accommodating conduit. The method or system upon reaching the target area within the accommodating conduit, can further include varying the elasticity or the torsion moment of the device or varying both to cause the device to stiffen. Other embodiments are disclosed.
1. A method of traversing a device through an accommodating ear canal conduit to reach a target area within the accommodating ear canal conduit comprising:
inserting a device into the accommodating ear canal conduit, wherein the device includes a balloon configured to change a torsion moment of the device about it's axial curve to support movement to the target area, wherein the torsion moment of the device is applied to the accommodating ear canal conduit and wherein the device further includes a stem attached to the balloon and a flange, wherein the balloon has fluid located therewithin, wherein the stem further includes an electroactive polymer element;
changing the torsion moment of the device by varying the operating pressure of the fluid within the balloon when the device is at the target area,
wherein a processor operatively coupled to the device is configured to control the balloon to change the torsional moment of the device to increase a stability of the device within the accommodating ear canal conduit at the target area;
wherein the processor is configured to change the elasticity of the stem by changing the stiffness of the electroactive polymer element; and
increasing a stiffness of the device by selectively stiffening the balloon of the device upon reaching the target area within the accommodating ear canal conduit under control of the processor to fixate the device, wherein the balloon is an elliptical balloon when fully inflated prior to a deformation, where the elliptical balloon has an elliptical cross section in a plane perpendicular to an insertion direction, and
wherein a torsion moment of the balloon is varied under control of the processor when the device is at the target area so as to stabilize the device.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the processor controls introduction of the fluid into the balloon.