EUSTACHIAN TUBE TREATMENT SYSTEMS
First Claim
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1. A method of treating tissue in or around a Eustachian tube of a patient body via laser energy, comprising:
- positioning an elongate shaft having a distal end against a tissue region of interest in or around the Eustachian tube;
piercing the tissue region via at least one needle retractably disposed near or at the distal end;
advancing at least one optical fiber terminal end into the tissue region within or along the at least one needle; and
applying laser energy via the at least one optical fiber to the tissue region.
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Abstract
Eustachian tube treatment systems are described herein. One method for reducing or removing any obstructions within the Eustachian tube is to apply laser energy to the underlying tissue. One instrument may be used to deliver laser energy and to optionally provide an infusion or injection of a fluid directly into the tissue as well as optionally provide for ultrasound energy application as well. One or more optical fibers which may extend through needles inserted into the tissue may be utilized to deliver the laser energy.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method of treating tissue in or around a Eustachian tube of a patient body via laser energy, comprising:
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positioning an elongate shaft having a distal end against a tissue region of interest in or around the Eustachian tube; piercing the tissue region via at least one needle retractably disposed near or at the distal end; advancing at least one optical fiber terminal end into the tissue region within or along the at least one needle; and applying laser energy via the at least one optical fiber to the tissue region. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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2. The method of claim r wherein positioning comprises advancing the elongate shaft through a nostril of a patient and into or against a nasopharyngeal opening.
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14. A Eustachian tube treatment system, comprising:
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an outer sheath sized for advancement within the Eustachian tube and defining at least an instrument lumen and a stent lumen; an elongate shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a length therebetween positionable within the instrument lumen; at least one needle retractably positioned to extend from a surface of the shaft near or at the distal end; at least one optical fiber positioned within or along the at least one needle such that a distal end of the optical fiber is movable with respect to the shaft; and an expandable stent removably positioned within the stent lumen. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification