Fluid communication features for Eustachian tube dilation instrument
US10034681B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 30, 2015 |
| Grant date | Jul 31, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 22, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2210/0675
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system for dilating a Eustachian tube (ET) of a patient includes a guide member and a dilation catheter. The guide member includes a bent distal portion that is configured to provide access to an opening in the ET. The dilation catheter is slidable relative to the guide member. The dilation catheter includes a shaft, an expandable element, and an actuator. The expandable element is disposed at the distal portion of the shaft. The actuator includes a grasping portion and an actuating member. The expandable element is configured to transition to an expanded configuration in response to actuation of the actuating member. The grasping portion and actuating member are configured to be grasped in a single hand of an operator to enable the operator to advance the dilation catheter relative to the guide member and to transition the expandable element between expanded and unexpanded configurations with the single hand.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.