One-step tympanostomy tube and method for inserting same
First Claim
1. A medical device, comprising:
- a tympanostomy tube for insertion into and residence in a tympanic membrane of a mammal, wherein the tympanostomy tube includes a body including a first end portion, a second end portion, a central portion disposed between the first and second end portions, and an axially extending passageway having a first open end and a second open end;
wherein the first end portion includes a relatively enlarged diameter radially extending flange disposed adjacent a first end of the first end portion, and a relatively reduced diameter portion; and
wherein the second end portion includes at least first and second moveable legs operably coupled to the central portion, wherein each leg includes proximal and distal portions, wherein distal portions of the first and second moveable legs include sharpened surfaces, and wherein the sharpened surfaces are configured to incise through the tympanic membrane during insertion of the tympanostomy tube in the tympanic membrane, and wherein proximal portions include non-cutting surfaces configured to contact the tympanic membrane.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A tympanostomy tube is provided for insertion into and residence in a tympanic membrane of a mammal. The tympanostomy tube has a body including a first end portion, a second end portion and a central portion disposed between the first and second end portions. Additionally, an axially extending passageway is provided having a first open end and a second open end. The first end portion includes a relatively enlarged diameter radially extending flange disposed adjacent a first end of the first end portion, and a relatively reduced diameter portion. The second end portion includes at least first and second moveable legs having first ends coupled to the first end portion and second ends. The second ends include sharpened surfaces that are sufficiently sharpened to incise through the tympanic membrane during insertion of the tympanostomy tube in the tympanic membrane.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A medical device, comprising:
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a tympanostomy tube for insertion into and residence in a tympanic membrane of a mammal, wherein the tympanostomy tube includes a body including a first end portion, a second end portion, a central portion disposed between the first and second end portions, and an axially extending passageway having a first open end and a second open end; wherein the first end portion includes a relatively enlarged diameter radially extending flange disposed adjacent a first end of the first end portion, and a relatively reduced diameter portion; and wherein the second end portion includes at least first and second moveable legs operably coupled to the central portion, wherein each leg includes proximal and distal portions, wherein distal portions of the first and second moveable legs include sharpened surfaces, and wherein the sharpened surfaces are configured to incise through the tympanic membrane during insertion of the tympanostomy tube in the tympanic membrane, and wherein proximal portions include non-cutting surfaces configured to contact the tympanic membrane. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method for inserting a tympanostomy tube into and for continued residence in a tympanic membrane having an interiorly facing surface in the tympanic cavity and an exteriorly facing surface in the auditory canal, comprising:
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providing a tympanostomy tube comprising a body including a first end portion, a second end portion, a central portion disposed between the first and second end portions, and an axially extending passageway having a first open end disposed adjacent the first end portion, and a second open end disposed adjacent the second end portion, and an axis extending between the first open end and second open end, the first end portion including a relatively enlarged diameter generally radially extending flange, the central portion including a reduced diameter portion sized for extending through and residing in tissue of the tympanic membrane, and the second end portion including at least first and second moveable legs having first ends coupled to the first end portion, and second ends, the second ends including sharpened toothed surfaces; placing the toothed surfaces against the exteriorly facing surface of the tympanic membrane; moving the tympanostomy tube in a back and forth direction to cause the toothed surfaces to engage the tympanic membrane and saw through the tympanic membrane; and positioning the tympanostomy tube in the tympanic membrane so that the tympanostomy tube resides in the tympanic membrane with the passageway operable to conduct air between the tympanic cavity and the auditory canal. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21)
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Specification