Devices, systems and methods for diagnosing and treating sinusitis and other disorders of the ears, nose and/or throat
US7727186B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 25, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jun 1, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 30, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2250/0039
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Sinusitis, enlarged nasal turbinates, tumors, infections, hearing disorders, allergic conditions, facial fractures and other disorders of the ear, nose and throat 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, endoscopic studies and transillumination studies. Access and occluder devices may be used to establish fluid tight seals in the anterior or posterior nasal cavities/nasopharynx and to facilitate insertion of working devices (e.g., scopes, guidewires, catheters, tissue cutting or remodeling devices, electrosurgical devices, energy emitting devices, devices for injecting diagnostic or therapeutic agents, devices for implanting devices such as stents, substance eluting devices, substance delivery implants, etc.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.