Surgical tools to facilitate delivery of a neurostimulator into the pterygopalatine fossa

US9220524B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• The Cleveland Clinic Foundation · US
• AUTONOMIC TECHNOLOGIES, INC. · US

Inventors

• Carl Lance Boling · San Jose, US
• Anthony V. Caparso · San Jose, US
• Francis A. Papay · Westlake, US
• Ryan Powell · Sunnyvale, US
• Jennifer Teng · Santa Clara, US
• Morgan Clyburn · Menlo Park, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 14, 2012
• Grant date: Dec 29, 2015
• Expiry date: Mar 30, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61N1/0548
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A surgical tool configured to facilitate delivery of a neurostimulator to a craniofacial region of a subject includes a handle portion, an elongate shaft having a contoured distal portion, and an insertion groove on the elongate shaft. The elongate shaft is configured to be advanced under a zygomatic bone along a maxillary tuberosity towards a pterygopalatine fossa. The distal portion includes a distal dissecting tip. The insertion groove is configured to receive, support, and guide a medical device or instrument.