Eustachian tube device and method
First Claim
1. A device for insertion within and thereby rendering patent a Eustachian tube of an animal, the Eustachian tube defining a cross sectional area, the device comprising an insertable member having a preinsertion form that includesopposing exterior major surfaces connected by a peripheral surface wherein at least one exterior major surface has a substantially triangular shape and size that corresponds to the cross sectional area of the Eustachian tube, andmeans for providing sufficient fluid communication between the opposing surfaces to effect pressure equilibration therebetween.
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Abstract
Devices are provided for insertion into a Eustachian tube of an animal, e.g., a human being. The devices may include an insertable member, an immobilizing means and a fluid-communication providing means. The member has opposing surfaces and is formed at least in part from a biocompatible material that is degradable. The fluid-communication providing means is effective to provide sufficient fluid communication between the opposing surfaces of the insertable member to effect pressure equilibration therebetween. The immobilizing means is effective to immobilize the device within the Eustachian tube for a predetermined period. Also provided are kits that include the device and methods for inserting the device into a Eustachian tube.
134 Citations
27 Claims
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1. A device for insertion within and thereby rendering patent a Eustachian tube of an animal, the Eustachian tube defining a cross sectional area, the device comprising an insertable member having a preinsertion form that includes
opposing exterior major surfaces connected by a peripheral surface wherein at least one exterior major surface has a substantially triangular shape and size that corresponds to the cross sectional area of the Eustachian tube, and means for providing sufficient fluid communication between the opposing surfaces to effect pressure equilibration therebetween.
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4. A device for insertion within and thereby rendering patent a Eustachian tube of an animal, the Eustachian tube defining a cross sectional area, the device consisting essentially of an insertable member having a preinsertion form that includes opposing exterior major surfaces connected by a peripheral surface wherein each exterior major surface has a substantially triangular shape and size that corresponds to the cross sectional area of the Eustachian tube, and means for providing sufficient fluid communication between the opposing surfaces to effect pressure equilibration therebetween.
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5. A device for insertion into and thereby rendering patent a Eustachian tube of an animal, comprising:
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a member that is sized for insertion within the Eustachian tube that defines a cross sectional area, the member having a preinsertion form that includes opposing exterior surfaces connected by a peripheral surface, wherein at least one opposing exterior surface defines a member length and member width, the opposing exterior surfaces define a member thickness such that the member length is greater than the member thickness, and at least one opposing surface has a substantially triangular shape and size that corresponds to the cross sectional area of the Eustachian tube; means for immobilizing the device within the Eustachian tube upon insertion therein; and means for providing sufficient fluid communication between the opposing surfaces of the member to effect pressure equilibration therebetween, wherein the member is formed at least in part from a biocompatible material that is degradable in the Eustachian tube at a predetermined degradation rate, and the immobilizing means is effective to immobilize the device within the Eustachian tube for a predetermined period of time that corresponds to the predetermined degradation rate. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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Specification