NASAL STIMULATION DEVICES AND METHODS
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of tear production in a subject, comprising:
- positioning a probe in contact with the nasal mucosa of the subject; and
delivering a stimulus via the probe to produce tears.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Described here are devices, systems, and methods for treating one or more conditions (such as dry eye) or improving ocular health by providing stimulation to nasal or sinus tissue. Generally, the devices may be handheld or implantable. In some variations, the handheld devices may have a stimulator body and a stimulator probe having one or more nasal insertion prongs. When the devices and systems are used to treat dry eye, nasal or sinus tissue may be stimulated to increase tear production, reduce the symptoms of dry eye, and/or improve ocular surface health.
-
Citations
30 Claims
-
1. A method of tear production in a subject, comprising:
-
positioning a probe in contact with the nasal mucosa of the subject; and delivering a stimulus via the probe to produce tears. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
-
-
10. A method of improving ocular health in a patient, comprising:
-
positioning a probe in a nasal cavity of the patient; and delivering stimulation to the nasal tissue of the patient via the probe at least once daily during a treatment period comprising at least 2 days to improve the ocular health of the patient, wherein improved ocular health is measured by one or more of decreased dry eye symptoms, decreased ocular surface staining, or increased tear production. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
-
Specification