Features to improve and sense tympanic membrane apposition by tympanostomy tube delivery instrument
US10219950B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 4, 2016 |
| Grant date | Mar 5, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 8, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F11/202
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A tympanostomy tube delivery device comprises a shaft assembly, a pressure equalization tube, and a sensor. The shaft assembly comprises a cannula and a pusher operable to translate relative to the cannula. The pressure equalization tube is positioned within the shaft assembly. The pusher is operable to drive the pressure equalization tube out of the shaft assembly. The sensor is operable to detect a physical parameter associated with engagement between the distal end of the shaft assembly and a tympanic membrane. A controller may activate a feedback device to inform an operator that the distal end of the shaft assembly has achieved suitable apposition with the tympanic membrane, based on information from the sensor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.