Eustachian tube device
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A device adapted for insertion into a Eustachian tube, said device comprising a shell, said shell comprising:
- a proximal end and a distal end; and
a tube extending from said proximal end to said distal end, said tube being closed in a resting position, and opened by air pressure differential between said ends when air pressure exerted at the proximal end is higher than air pressure exerted at the distal end and when air pressure exerted at the distal end is higher than air pressure exerted at the proximal end; and
wherein said device is adapted for insertion into said Eustachian tube through a nasopharynx.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides a device stenting the ET. The stent (device) provides enhanced ventilation and drainage to the middle ear. Also provided is a method for inserting the device into the Eustachian tube and through the isthmus of a human subject.
132 Citations
25 Claims
-
1. A device adapted for insertion into a Eustachian tube, said device comprising a shell, said shell comprising:
-
a proximal end and a distal end; and a tube extending from said proximal end to said distal end, said tube being closed in a resting position, and opened by air pressure differential between said ends when air pressure exerted at the proximal end is higher than air pressure exerted at the distal end and when air pressure exerted at the distal end is higher than air pressure exerted at the proximal end; and wherein said device is adapted for insertion into said Eustachian tube through a nasopharynx. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
-
-
16. A method for insertion of a device into a Eustachian tube, comprising:
-
loading said device onto an insertion apparatus, said device comprising; a proximal end, a distal end, an intermediate portion and a tube extending from said proximal end to said distal end through said intermediate portion, said tube being closed in a resting position, and opened by air pressure differential between said ends when air pressure exerted at the proximal end is higher than air pressure exerted at the distal end and when air pressure exerted at the distal end is higher than air pressure exerted at the proximal end; wherein at least a portion of said device, upon said insertion is adapted to fit within said Eustachian tube; inserting said device using said insertion apparatus into said Eustachian tube through a nasopharynx; and releasing said device from said apparatus upon device insertion into said Eustachian tube. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
-
Specification