Eustachian tube device and method
First Claim
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1. A method for inserting a device into a Eustachian tube of an animal, comprising:
- (a) loading a device onto an insertion apparatus, the device comprising an insertable member that is sized for insertion within the Eustachian tube that defines a cross sectional area, the member having a preinsertion form that includesopposing exterior surfaces connected by a peripheral surface,wherein at least one opposing exterior surface defines a member length and member width, andthe opposing exterior surfaces define a member thickness such that the member length is greater than the member thickness,means for immobilizing the device within the Eustachian tube upon insertion therein, andmeans for providing fluid communication between the opposing surfaces of the member to effect pressure equilibration therebetween;
(b) using the insertion apparatus to insert the device through a nostril or mouth of the animal into the Eustachian tube; and
(c) releasing the device from the apparatus in a manner effective to allow the device to immobilize itself within the Eustachian tube while maintaining its preinsertion form, thereby rendering patent the Eustachian tube for a predetermined time period.
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Abstract
Devices are provided for insertion into a Eustachian tube of an animal, e.g., a human being. The devices include an insertable member. The member has opposing surfaces and is formed at least in part from a biocompatible material that is degradable. The device may comprise a hole that is effective to provide sufficient fluid communication between the opposing surfaces of the insertable member to effect pressure equilibration therebetween. The device is able to be immobilized 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.
105 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A method for inserting a device into a Eustachian tube of an animal, comprising:
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(a) loading a device onto an insertion apparatus, the device comprising an insertable 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, and the opposing exterior surfaces define a member thickness such that the member length is greater than the member thickness, means for immobilizing the device within the Eustachian tube upon insertion therein, and means for providing fluid communication between the opposing surfaces of the member to effect pressure equilibration therebetween; (b) using the insertion apparatus to insert the device through a nostril or mouth of the animal into the Eustachian tube; and (c) releasing the device from the apparatus in a manner effective to allow the device to immobilize itself within the Eustachian tube while maintaining its preinsertion form, thereby rendering patent the Eustachian tube for a predetermined time period. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A method for inserting a device into a Eustachian tube of an animal, comprising:
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(a) loading a device onto an insertion apparatus, the device comprising an insertable 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, at least one of the exterior surfaces having a triangular shape and size that corresponds to the cross sectional area of the Eustachian tube, and means for providing fluid communication between the opposing surfaces of the member to effect pressure equilibration therebetween; (b) using the insertion apparatus to insert the device through a nostril or mouth of the animal into the Eustachian tube; and (c) releasing the device from the apparatus in a manner effective to allow the device to immobilize itself within the Eustachian tube, thereby rendering patent the Eustachian tube for a predetermined time period. - View Dependent Claims (22)
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23. A method for inserting a device into a Eustachian tube of an animal, comprising:
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(a) loading a device onto an insertion apparatus, the device consisting essentially of an insertable 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, the exterior surfaces each having a triangular shape and size that corresponds to the cross sectional area of the Eustachian tube, and means for providing fluid communication between the opposing surfaces of the member to effect pressure equilibration therebetween; (b) using the insertion apparatus to insert the device through a nostril or mouth of the animal into the Eustachian tube; and (c) releasing the device from the apparatus in a manner effective to allow the device to immobilize itself within the Eustachian tube, thereby rendering patent the Eustachian tube for a predetermined time period. - View Dependent Claims (24)
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Specification