Apparatus and methods for dilating and modifying ostia of paranasal sinuses and other intranasal or paranasal structures
First Claim
1. A method for treating sinusitis by dilating a natural, unfractured paranasal sinus ostium of an unfractured paranasal sinus of a patient;
- the method comprising;
advancing a balloon catheter into a nasal cavity of the patient, the balloon catheter having an expandable balloon and a shaft having an initial flexibility;
after said advancing, decreasing the flexibility of the shaft by activating a shaft stiffening element;
positioning the balloon with the stiffening element activated within the natural paranasal sinus ostium of a paranasal sinus; and
dilating the ostium by expanding the balloon within the ostium.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Sinusitis and other disorders of the ear, nose and throat are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches with flexible or rigid instruments. Various methods and devices are used for remodeling or changing the shape, size or configuration of a sinus ostium or duct or other anatomical structure in the ear, nose or throat; implanting a device, cells or tissues; removing matter from the ear, nose or throat; delivering diagnostic or therapeutic substances or performing other diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Introducing devices (e.g., guide catheters, tubes, guidewires, elongate probes, other elongate members) may be used to facilitate insertion of working devices (e.g. catheters e.g. balloon catheters, guidewires, tissue cutting or remodeling devices, devices for implanting elements like stents, electrosurgical devices, energy emitting devices, devices for delivering diagnostic or therapeutic agents, substance delivery implants, scopes etc.) into the paranasal sinuses or other structures in the ear, nose or throat.
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Citations
7 Claims
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1. A method for treating sinusitis by dilating a natural, unfractured paranasal sinus ostium of an unfractured paranasal sinus of a patient;
- the method comprising;
advancing a balloon catheter into a nasal cavity of the patient, the balloon catheter having an expandable balloon and a shaft having an initial flexibility; after said advancing, decreasing the flexibility of the shaft by activating a shaft stiffening element; positioning the balloon with the stiffening element activated within the natural paranasal sinus ostium of a paranasal sinus; and dilating the ostium by expanding the balloon within the ostium. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
- the method comprising;
Specification