SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRANSNASAL DILATION OF PASSAGEWAYS IN THE EAR, NOSE OR THROAT
First Claim
1. A balloon dilation catheter device useable for dilating an opening in a paranasal sinus, the device comprising:
- a catheter shaft having a longitudinal axis, an inflation lumen, a distal end, a proximal end, a proximal shaft section that is substantially rigid and a distal shaft section that is more flexible than the proximal shaft section, wherein the catheter shaft is dark in color;
an inflatable balloon disposed on the distal shaft section in fluid communication with the inflation lumen, wherein the balloon has a non-circular cross-sectional shape when partially inflated;
a first proximal shaft marker disposed on the proximal shaft section and having a significantly lighter color than the catheter shaft, wherein the first proximal shaft marker allows a user to approximate, using direct visualization of the first proximal shaft marker, a position of the balloon relative to a guide catheter through which the balloon catheter is advanced; and
a first distal shaft marker disposed on the distal shaft section proximal to a proximal end of the balloon and having a significantly lighter color than the catheter shaft, wherein the first distal shaft marker enables a user to approximate, using endoscopic visualization of the first distal shaft marker, a position of the balloon relative to an opening of a paranasal sinus.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A dilation catheter device and system for dilating an opening in a paranasal sinus and/or other passageways within the ear, nose or throat is disclosed. A dilation catheter device and system is constructed in a manner that facilitates ease of use by the operator and, in at least some cases, allows the dilation procedure to be performed by a single operator. Additionally, the dilation catheter device and system may be useable in conjunction with an endoscope and/or a fluoroscope to provide for easy manipulation and positioning of the devices and real time visualization of the entire procedure or selected portions thereof. In some embodiments, shaft markers are disposed on a shaft of the dilation catheter and have a light color to contrast with a dark color of the dilation catheter shaft. The high contrast between the markers and catheter shaft allows for easy viewing of the markers in low light and operation conditions.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A balloon dilation catheter device useable for dilating an opening in a paranasal sinus, the device comprising:
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a catheter shaft having a longitudinal axis, an inflation lumen, a distal end, a proximal end, a proximal shaft section that is substantially rigid and a distal shaft section that is more flexible than the proximal shaft section, wherein the catheter shaft is dark in color; an inflatable balloon disposed on the distal shaft section in fluid communication with the inflation lumen, wherein the balloon has a non-circular cross-sectional shape when partially inflated; a first proximal shaft marker disposed on the proximal shaft section and having a significantly lighter color than the catheter shaft, wherein the first proximal shaft marker allows a user to approximate, using direct visualization of the first proximal shaft marker, a position of the balloon relative to a guide catheter through which the balloon catheter is advanced; and a first distal shaft marker disposed on the distal shaft section proximal to a proximal end of the balloon and having a significantly lighter color than the catheter shaft, wherein the first distal shaft marker enables a user to approximate, using endoscopic visualization of the first distal shaft marker, a position of the balloon relative to an opening of a paranasal sinus. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A system for treating a disease or disorder of the ear, nose or throat of a human or animal subject, the system comprising:
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a guide catheter insertable into a head of the subject, the guide catheter having a substantially rigid shaft, a proximal opening, a distal opening and a lumen extending between the proximal opening and the distal opening; and a balloon catheter device, comprising; a catheter shaft having a longitudinal axis, an inflation lumen, a distal end, a proximal end, a proximal shaft section that is substantially rigid and a distal shaft section that is more flexible than the proximal shaft section, wherein the catheter shaft is dark in color; an inflatable balloon disposed on the distal shaft section in fluid communication with the inflation lumen, wherein the balloon has a non-circular cross-sectional shape when partially inflated; a first proximal shaft marker disposed on the proximal shaft section and having a significantly lighter color than the catheter shaft, wherein the first proximal shaft marker allows a user to approximate, using direct visualization of the first proximal shaft marker, a position of the balloon relative to a guide catheter through which the balloon catheter is advanced; and a first distal shaft marker disposed on the distal shaft section proximal to a proximal end of the balloon and having a significantly lighter color than the catheter shaft, wherein the first distal shaft marker enables a user to approximate, using endoscopic visualization of the first distal shaft marker, a position of the balloon relative to an opening of a paranasal sinus; wherein the distal portion of the balloon catheter is advanceable out of the distal opening of the guide catheter. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for dilating a natural paranasal sinus ostium of a paranasal sinus of a patient, the method comprising:
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advancing a guide catheter into a head of a patient such that a distal end of the guide catheter is positioned within or near a natural paranasal sinus ostium of a paranasal sinus; inserting an endoscope into the patient'"'"'s head; advancing a balloon catheter through a lumen of the guide catheter such that a balloon of the catheter passes out of the distal end of the guide catheter; viewing, with the endoscope, a first distal shaft marker disposed on a shaft of the balloon catheter a first known distance from the balloon; viewing, with the endoscope, a second distal shaft marker disposed on the shaft a second known distance from the balloon; approximating a location of the balloon relative to the paranasal sinus ostium, using the first and second distal shaft marker and their known distances from the balloon; and expanding the balloon of the balloon catheter to remodel or break bone underlying mucusa of the natural paranasal sinus ostium and dilate the ostium. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification