SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ANESTHETIZING EAR TISSUE
First Claim
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1. A method to deliver an iontophoretic substance to the tympanic membrane of an ear of a human or animal subject, the method comprising:
- inserting an earplug into an ear canal of a patient;
fluidly sealing a portion of a flexible sealing element of the earplug in the ear canal to create a space between the earplug and the tympanic membrane; and
injecting a iontophoretic substance into the earplug to fill the space between the earplug and the tympanic membrane;
wherein the space becomes pressurized with the iontophoretic substance during injecting, and wherein fluid within the space is vented through microholes in the flexible sealing element to relieve the pressure.
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Abstract
A system and method for use in iontophoretic anesthesia of a tympanic membrane are disclosed. The system generally includes an earplug and an electrode device. The earplug includes at least one sealing member for sealing the earplug in an ear canal. The sealing member includes microholes which vent fluid above a certain pressure threshold. A headset may connect the earplug to a second earplug. The method involves using the system on a human or animal subject.
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Citations
28 Claims
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1. A method to deliver an iontophoretic substance to the tympanic membrane of an ear of a human or animal subject, the method comprising:
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inserting an earplug into an ear canal of a patient; fluidly sealing a portion of a flexible sealing element of the earplug in the ear canal to create a space between the earplug and the tympanic membrane; and injecting a iontophoretic substance into the earplug to fill the space between the earplug and the tympanic membrane; wherein the space becomes pressurized with the iontophoretic substance during injecting, and wherein fluid within the space is vented through microholes in the flexible sealing element to relieve the pressure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A system for iontophoretic substance delivery to the tympanic membrane of an ear of a human or animal subject, the system comprising:
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an earplug, comprising; a flexible sealing element including an elongate tube extending proximally therefrom, the flexible sealing element having a distal sealing surface with a plurality of microholes, the microholes being configured to vent fluid above a pressure threshold; and an electrode device moveable within the inner tube, the electrode device including an elongate shaft connected to an electrode tip. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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Specification