Treatment method for transsphenoidal stimulation of the pituitary gland and of nerve structures

• US 5,792,100 A
• Filed: 05/15/1997
• Issued: 08/11/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 05/19/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Wedge Therapeutics, LLC
• Original Assignee: T. R. Shantha
• Inventors: Shantha, T. R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Coggings, Wynn Wood
• Assistant Examiner(s): NGUYEN, ANH TUAN TUONG
• Application Number:
  US08/856,724
• Time in Patent Office: 453 Days
• Field of Search: 604/21, 604/28, 604/53, 604/54, 604/73, 604/94, 606/27, 606/28, 606/31, 606/196, 606/199
• US Class Current: 604/509
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0054 with a closed fluid circuit, e.g. hot water
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 7/123 using a flexible balloon containing the thermal element
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/0693 Brain, cerebrum
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/10 Balloon catheters A61M25/0125 takes precedence; embolectomy A61B17/22032; retractors A61B17/02; inflatable balloons for placing stents or stent-grafts A61F2/958 ; stomach balloons for treatment of obesity A61F5/0003; oesophagal tubes A61J15/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 29/02 Dilators made of swellable material balloon catheters for angioplasty A61M25/104
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36017 with leads or electrodes penetrating the skin
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36021 for treatment of pain

Abstract

A method and apparatus are provided for the stimulation through the sphenoid sinus, the pituitary gland and the adjoining brain structures. The apparatus consists of an inflatable balloon and which is inserted into the sphenoid sinus and inflated. The balloon will stimulate by pressure, heat, cold or electricity, the structures surrounding the sphenoid sinus. The balloon is controlled via connecting tubes and control wires. This method and apparatus has application in the treatment of pain and a number of other maladies of the nervous system.

Claims

1. A method for stimulating the sphenoid sinus and its surrounding structures of the human body which comprises the steps of:

inserting an insertion body through the nose, sphenoid foramina and into the sphenoid sinus, said insertion body having a balloon with a flexible outer surface adapted to contact and conform to the interior surfaces of the sphenoid sinus and having a tube connected to the balloon to an inflating means for inflating the balloon with a gas;

inflating the balloon by pumping a fluid from the inflating means through the tube and into the interior of the balloon so that the balloon expands to contact and conform to the interior surface of the sphenoid sinus;

maintaining sufficient pressure in the interior of the balloon for a sufficient duration to obtain the desired stimulation of the structures surrounding the sphenoid sinus; and

withdrawing the insertion body from the sphenoid sinus.

2. The method of claim 1 which comprises infusing a fluid into the interior of the balloon at a temperature different from the temperature of the interior surface of the sphenoid sinus and proximate structure, the temperature of the fluid being changed and maintained by temperature changing means, the fluid being maintained at a sufficient temperature for a duration to achieve the desired treatment effect.

3. The method of claim 2 in which the temperature controlling means comprises at least one thermocouple which is connected to a direct current to change the temperature of the fluid in the balloon.