Middle Turbinate Medializer

• US 20070293946A1
• Filed: 05/11/2007
• Published: 12/20/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 05/12/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: ArthroCare Corporation (Smith & Nephew PLC)
• Original Assignee: ENTrigue Surgical, Inc. (Smith & Nephew PLC)
• Inventors: Larson, Michael, Gonzales, Donald, Niederauer, Gabriele, Dinger, Fred, Wrana, Jeffrey
• Application Number:
  US11/747,442
• Publication Number:
  US 20070293946A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 623/10
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/064 Surgical staples, i.e. penetrating the tissue
• 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 2017/06176 with protrusions, e.g. barbs
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0641 having at least three legs as part of one single body
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0647 having one single leg, e.g. tacks
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/081 Tissue approximator A61B2017/1103, A61B17/8866 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0816 for preventing adhesion

Abstract

Medializing the middle turbinate in the nose has been realized as a solution to the common complication of adhesions following nasal and sinus surgery. The invention provides a system for medializing the middle turbinate by attaching the middle turbinate temporarily to the nasal septum. The attachment is performed using a wafer with means on both sides for attaching the wafer to a mucosal surface. The attachment may also be performed using a tissue adhesive, pins, or other medical devices described herein. The invention also provides a system for attaching the uvula to the nasopharyngeal side of the soft palate. The invention provides a medical device for use in the inventive procedures as well as methods for the procedures and kits for use by a physician.

Claims

2. A medical device for medializing a middle turbinate of a patient comprising:

a device with a means for attaching the device to the middle turbinate and the nasal septum of a patient simultaneously, thereby medializing the middle turbinate.

5. The device of claim 2, whereby medializing the middle turbinate prevents the middle turbinate from adhering to the lateral wall.

3. A medical device for medializing a middle turbinate of a patient comprising:

a device coated with a biocompatible adhesive suitable for adhering to the middle turbinate and the nasal septum, thereby medializing the middle turbinate.

11. The device of claim 3, wherein the adhesive is a cyanoacrylate adhesive.

12. The device of claim 3, wherein the adhesive is DERMABOND.

4. A medical device for medializing a middle turbinate of a patient comprising:

a device with hooks, pins, barbs, or staples for attaching the device to the middle turbinate and the nasal septum of a patient simultaneously, thereby medializing the middle turbinate.

20. A medical device for medializing a middle turbinate of a patient comprising:

a sling for encircling or covering the middle turbinate and a means for attaching the sling to the nasal septum of a patient thereby medializing the middle turbinate.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of adhering comprises adhering the middle turbinate to the nasal septum for a sufficient time to allow the nose to heal after nasal surgery.

23. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of adhering comprises adhering the middle turbinate to the nasal septum for a time ranging from approximately 1 week to approximately 6 months.

24. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of adhering comprises adhering the middle turbinate to the nasal septum for a time ranging from approximately 3 weeks to approximately 8 weeks.

25. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of adhering comprises adhering the middle turbinate to the nasal septum for a time ranging from approximately 1 month to approximately 1 year.

26. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of adhering comprises using a cyanoacrylate adhesive and the medical device to attach the middle turbinate to the nasal septum.

21-1. The method of claim 20, wherein the medical device is the medical device of claim 1.

27. A method of medializing the middle turbinate, the method comprising steps of:

adhering the middle turbinate to the nasal septum using an adhesive.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the adhesive is a synthetic adhesive.

29. The method of claim 27, wherein the adhesive is a natural adhesive.

30. The method of claim 27, wherein the adhesive is a cyanoacrylate adhesive.

31. The method of claim 27, wherein the adhesive is a fibrin sealant.

32. The method of claim 27, wherein the adhesive is mussel adhesive protein or frog glue.

33. A method of medializing the middle turbinate, the method comprising steps of:

attaching the middle turbinate to the nasal septum using a pin.