Endoscopic methods and devices for transnasal procedures

• US 20070167682A1
• Filed: 12/27/2006
• Published: 07/19/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 04/21/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Acclarent Incorporated (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Acclarent Incorporated (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Chang, John, Goldfarb, Eric, Morriss, John
• Application Number:
  US11/647,530
• Publication Number:
  US 20070167682A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/114
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00135 Oversleeves mounted on the endoscope prior to insertion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0014 Fastening element for attaching accessories to the outside of an endoscope, e.g. clips, clamps or bands
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00154 using guiding arrangements for insertion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0051 with controlled bending of insertion part
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/01 Guiding arrangements therefore
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/044 for absorption imaging
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0607 for annular illumination
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/07 using light-conductive means, e.g. optical fibres
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/233 for the nose, i.e. nasoscopes , e.g. testing of patency of Eustachian tubes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/24 for use in the oral cavity, larynx, bronchial passages or nose for medical inspection of cavities or tubes in the body A61B1/00; Tongue scrapers
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/3421 Cannulas
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/003 Steerable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/246 for cleaning of the nose
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/3447 Linked multiple cannulas
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 29/02 Dilators made of swellable material balloon catheters for angioplasty A61M25/104

Abstract

Medical devices, systems and methods that are useable to facilitate transnasal insertion and positioning of guidewires and various other devices and instruments at desired locations within the ear, nose, throat, paranasal sinuses or cranium.

Claims

1-26. -26. (canceled)

27. A guide device useable to position a working device at a desired location within the ear, nose, throat or cranium of a human or animal subject, said device comprising:

a transnasally insertable elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end;

a first channel into which an endoscope may be inserted so that the endoscope may be used to view at least an area beyond the distal end of the shaft; and

a second channel through which the working device may be advanced.

28. The device of claim 27, wherein at least a distal portion of the shaft is bendable to a desired shape.

29. The device of claim 27, wherein the shaft is substantially straight.

30. The device of claim 27, wherein a curve of less than about 30 degrees is formed in a distal portion of the shaft.

31. The device of claim 27, wherein a curve of about 30 degrees is formed in a distal portion of the shaft.

32. The device of claim 27, wherein a curve of about 70 degrees is formed in a distal portion of the shaft.

33. The device of claim 27, wherein a curve of about 90 degrees is formed in a distal portion of the shaft.

34. The device of claim 27, wherein a curve of about 110 degrees is formed in a distal portion of the shaft.

35. The device of claim 27, wherein a distal portion of the shaft is more flexible than a proximal portion of the shaft.

36. The device of claim 27, wherein a distal portion of the shaft is substantially transparent.

37. The device of claim 27, wherein a distal portion of the shaft is curved, and wherein the first channel is positioned along the outside of the curve of the second channel.

38. The device of claim 27, wherein a distal portion of the shaft is curved, and wherein the first channel is positioned along the inside of the curve of the second channel.

39. The device of claim 27, wherein a distal portion of the shaft is curved, and wherein the first channel is positioned side by side with the second channel.

40. The device of claim 27, wherein the first channel is formed by a metal tube having a distal end and a plastic tube that extends through the metal tube, a distal portion of the plastic tube protruding out of and beyond the distal end of the metal tube, and the first channel comprises a lumen of the plastic tube.

41. The device of claim 40, wherein the plastic tube may is formed substantially of a material selected from the group consisting essentially of nylon, nylon 11, nylon 12, pebax, pebax 72D, polyimide, poly(etheretherketone) (PEEK), poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) and combinations or blends thereof.

42. The device of claim 40, wherein a tubular liner is disposed within the lumen of the plastic tube, and wherein the first channel comprises the lumen of the liner.

43. The device of claim 42, wherein the liner is formed substantially of material selected from the group consisting of;

polytetrafluoroethylene, poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and high density polyethylene (HDPE).

44. The device of claim 27, wherein said first channel comprises a dynamic endoscope channel, comprising a flexible tube, wherein a distal end of the flexible tube is attached to a distal end of a tube defining the second channel and a proximal end of the dynamic endoscope channel is slidable with respect to the second channel.

45. The device of claim 44, further comprising a retraction member configured to facilitate movement of the dynamic endoscope channel toward the tube defining the second channel.

46. The device of claim 44, wherein a proximal end portion of the dynamic endoscope channel is mounted to a proximal sleeve that is slidable over the tube defining the second channel, a stop is mounted distally of said proximal sleeve and a biasing member is positioned between said stop and said proximal sleeve.

47. The device of claim 27, further comprising a pivot arm interconnecting a proximal end portion of said first channel to a proximal end portion of said second channel, wherein said pivot arm is actuatable to pivot the proximal end portion of said first channel away from said second channel to facilitate insertion of an endoscope into said first channel.

48-95. -95. (canceled)