Transnasal method and catheter for lacrimal system
US7169163B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 30, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jan 30, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 13, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2210/0618
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A balloon catheter for treatment of a patient's lacrimal system is applied transnasally without the use of a guide wire or a curve retention member. The catheter uses a stainless steel hypotube of sufficient stiffness and column strength to be pushed from the patent's nasal cavity through an opening-formed through the lateral nasal wall and lacrimal fossa, into the lacrimal sac. The catheter has an inflatable member mounted about a rigid bent distal segment. The opening is first formed by pushing small holes through the medial sac, lacrimal fossa, and lateral nasal wall with an instrument and coalescing the holes. The catheter is then introduced into the nasal cavity and pushed laterally through the opening by manipulating its proximal end. Pressurized fluid is then applied to the catheter to inflate the inflatable member and dilate the opening.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.