Apparatus and methods for performing otoscopic procedures
US6390975B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 27, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 21, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 28, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B1/32
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An otoscopic accessory for use in performing procedures in the external auditory canal and middle ear space, having a speculum, a probe and an actuator. The speculum has a generally tapered sidewall. The proximal end of the sidewall is configured to engage the head of an otoscope, and the distal end of the sidewall is configured to be inserted into a patient's outer ear canal. The probe has a shaft that is positioned against an exterior surface of the sidewall of the speculum. The actuator is coupled at its distal portion to the speculum. The distal portion of the actuator is closely conformed to the proximal end of the sidewall of the speculum to form a guide between the exterior surface of the speculum and the distal portion of the actuator. The probe is positioned within the guide, and the guide directs the distal end of the probe to a location within or on the distal end of the sidewall of the speculum. The probe is fixed to and moves with the proximal portion of the actuator. The actuator moves with the probe between a first position in which the distal end of the probe is proximal of the distal end of the sidewall of the speculum, and a second position in which the distal end…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.