System and method for the simultaneous automated bilateral delivery of pressure equalization tubes
First Claim
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1. A system for treating a patient, the patient having a head with a first ear and a second ear, each ear having a tympanic membrane, the system comprising:
- (a) an input device configured to generate an electrical signal in response to entry of a command; and
(b) a tube with a cutting edge and having a receptacle, a proximal end, a distal end, and an axis therebetween, the distal end sharpened for penetration through a tympanic membrane;
(c) an actuation mechanism movably supporting the tube and coupled with the input device, the actuation mechanism changing from a ready state to a pierce state in response to the signal so as to cause the tube to penetrate the tympanic membrane when aligned therewith;
(d) a tympanostomy tube supported by the actuation mechanism, wherein the tympanostomy tube is radially constrained within the receptacle of the tube, and wherein the tympanostomy tube expands radially when released;
(e) a support system configured for maintaining alignment between the actuation mechanism and the head of the patient, wherein the input device is movably coupled to the first device so as to isolate a command movement and inhibit deviation from the alignment;
(f) another cutting tool alignable with a tympanic membrane of the second ear;
(g) another actuation mechanism supporting the other cutting tool, the other actuation mechanism effecting axial movement of the other cutting tool in response to the signal so as to drive the other cutting tool through the tympanic membrane of the second ear; and
(h) circuitry coupling the input device to the actuation mechanisms such that penetration of the tympanic membranes is synchronized.
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Abstract
Systems and methods for treating a patient having a head with a first ear and a second ear, function by aligning a first device with a tympanic membrane of the first ear; inputting a command to an input device operatively coupled to the first device to generate a signal; and actuating the first device in response to the signal so as to drive a penetrator of the device through the tympanic membrane.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A system for treating a patient, the patient having a head with a first ear and a second ear, each ear having a tympanic membrane, the system comprising:
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(a) an input device configured to generate an electrical signal in response to entry of a command; and (b) a tube with a cutting edge and having a receptacle, a proximal end, a distal end, and an axis therebetween, the distal end sharpened for penetration through a tympanic membrane; (c) an actuation mechanism movably supporting the tube and coupled with the input device, the actuation mechanism changing from a ready state to a pierce state in response to the signal so as to cause the tube to penetrate the tympanic membrane when aligned therewith; (d) a tympanostomy tube supported by the actuation mechanism, wherein the tympanostomy tube is radially constrained within the receptacle of the tube, and wherein the tympanostomy tube expands radially when released; (e) a support system configured for maintaining alignment between the actuation mechanism and the head of the patient, wherein the input device is movably coupled to the first device so as to isolate a command movement and inhibit deviation from the alignment; (f) another cutting tool alignable with a tympanic membrane of the second ear; (g) another actuation mechanism supporting the other cutting tool, the other actuation mechanism effecting axial movement of the other cutting tool in response to the signal so as to drive the other cutting tool through the tympanic membrane of the second ear; and (h) circuitry coupling the input device to the actuation mechanisms such that penetration of the tympanic membranes is synchronized. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A system for treating a tympanic membrane of a patient, comprising:
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(a) a tube assembly with a cutting edge configured to penetrate through a tympanic membrane and including a receptacle; (b) an actuation mechanism associated with the tube assembly; and (c) a tympanostomy tube in the receptacle, the tympanostomy tube having a first constrained configuration and a second expanded configuration and being retained in the first constrained configuration within the receptacle, wherein the tympanostomy tube is resiliently biased to assume the second expanded configuration. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A system for treating a tympanic membrane of a patient, comprising:
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(a) a tube deployment assembly, wherein the tube deployment assembly includes a piercing element configured to penetrate through a tympanic membrane, wherein the tube deployment assembly further defines a receptacle; (b) an actuation mechanism associated with the piercing element, wherein the actuation mechanism is operable to drive the piercing element distally; and (c) a tympanostomy tube positioned in the receptacle, wherein the tympanostomy tube is resiliently biased to assume an expanded configuration, wherein the receptacle is configured to hold the tympanostomy tube in a non-expanded configuration.
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Specification