Devices, systems and methods for treating disorders of the ear, nose and throat
US7462175B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 18, 2005 |
| Grant date | Dec 9, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 26, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2025/1052
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Sinusitis, mucocysts, tumors, infections, hearing disorders, choanal atresia, fractures and other disorders of the paranasal sinuses, Eustachian tubes, Lachrymal ducts and other ear, nose, throat and mouth structures are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches and, in many cases, flexible catheters as opposed to instruments having rigid shafts. Various diagnostic procedures and devices are used to perform imaging studies, mucus flow studies, air/gas flow studies, anatomic dimension studies and endoscopic studies. Access and occluding devices may be used to facilitate insertion of working devices such asendoscopes, wires, probes, needles, catheters, balloon catheters, dilation catheters, dilators, balloons, tissue cutting or remodeling devices, suction or irrigation devices, imaging devices, sizing devices, biopsy devices, image-guided devices containing sensors or transmitters, electrosurgical devices, energy emitting devices, devices for injecting diagnostic or therapeutic agents, devices for implanting devices such as stents, substance eluting or delivering devices and implants, etc.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.