Uncinate process support for ethmoid infundibulum illumination
US9615959B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 15, 2013 |
| Grant date | Apr 11, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 28, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/309
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A dilation apparatus comprises an elongate member and a dilation assembly that is slidable along the elongate member. The dilation assembly comprises a platform and an inflatable dilator. The platform and the elongate member cooperate to absorb inflation forces from the dilator directed toward the longitudinal axis of the elongate member, such that the dilation forces are exerted against tissue asymmetrically relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. The dilation apparatus may be used to dilate the ethmoid infundibulum in a human patient. Various devices may be used to maintain the dilated state of an ethmoid infundibulum, including a wedge, a mesh, and a tether. An illuminator may be configured to reach around an uncinate process, retract the uncinate process, and then illuminate the ethmoid infundibulum to provide improved visualization of the ethmoid infundibulum.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.