Devices, Systems and Methods Useable for Treating Sinusitis
First Claim
1. A method for dilating an opening of a paransal sinus or other anatomical passage comprising bone covered by mucosa within the head of a human or animal subject, said method comprising the steps of:
- a) providing a dilation device that comprises an elongate shaft having at least one substantially flexible region and at least one substantially stiff region;
b) inserting the dilation device into the opening or anatomical passage;
c) causing the dilation device to dilate the opening or anatomical passage, andd) removing the dilation device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Sinusitis and other disorders of the ear, nose and throat are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches with flexible or rigid instruments. Various methods and devices are used for remodeling or changing the shape, size or configuration of a sinus ostium or duct or other anatomical structure in the ear, nose or throat; implanting a device, cells or tissues; removing matter from the ear, nose or throat; delivering diagnostic or therapeutic substances or performing other diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Introducing devices (e.g., guide catheters, tubes, guidewires, elongate probes, other elongate members) may be used to facilitate insertion of working devices (e.g. catheters e.g. balloon catheters, guidewires, tissue cutting or remodeling devices, devices for implanting elements like stents, electrosurgical devices, energy emitting devices, devices for delivering diagnostic or therapeutic agents, substance delivery implants, scopes etc.) into the paranasal sinuses or other structures in the ear, nose or throat. Specific devices (e.g., tubular guides, guidewires, balloon catheters, tubular sheaths) are provided as are methods for manufacturing and using such devices to treat disorders of the ear, nose or throat.
357 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method for dilating an opening of a paransal sinus or other anatomical passage comprising bone covered by mucosa within the head of a human or animal subject, said method comprising the steps of:
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a) providing a dilation device that comprises an elongate shaft having at least one substantially flexible region and at least one substantially stiff region; b) inserting the dilation device into the opening or anatomical passage; c) causing the dilation device to dilate the opening or anatomical passage, and d) removing the dilation device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for entering a target location that comprises a bony structure covered by mucosa located inside the head of a human or animal subject, said method comprising the steps of:
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a) inserting a first tool, said tool having at least one distal feature capable of engaging a first anatomic region with respect to the bony structure b) appreciating the orientation of the distal feature of the first tool, and correlating the orientation of the first tool to an anticipated trajectory between the first anatomic region and a target location of a second tool to be subsequently introduced into the first anatomical region c) inserting the second tool into the first anatomic region and advancing it into the target location. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of performing a surgery on a paranasal sinus of a human or animal subject, said method comprising the steps of:
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a) inserting at least one endoscope; b) inserting at least one rigid tool capable of performing a maneuver within the field of view of the endoscope; c) inserting at least one tubular device that ahs at least one flexible region capable of performing a maneuver outside the field of view of the endoscope; and d) using the rigid tool to perform a maneuver within the field of view of the endoscope; and e) using the at least one tubular device to perform a maneuver outside the field of view of the endoscope. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification