Devices, systems and methods for treating disorders of the ear, nose and throat
First Claim
1. A medical device for accessing a paranasal sinus structure of a patient, comprising:
- a handle;
a probing element extending outwardly from said handle to a distal end, said handle being removably attached to said probing element, said probing element having a distal region terminating in an atraumatic tip at said distal end, wherein the distal end region is malleable so as to be adapted to allow a user to shape the distal end region to match the patient'"'"'s specific anatomy; and
a working device preloaded and slidably positioned over the probing element, the working device being slidable relative to the probing element between a retracted position and an extended position immediately adjacent said distal end.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Sinusitis, mucocysts, tumors, infections, hearing disorders, choanal atresia, fractures and other disorders of the paranasal sinuses, Eustachian tubes, Lachrymal ducts and other ear, nose, throat and mouth structures are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches and, in many cases, flexible catheters as opposed to instruments having rigid shafts. Various diagnostic procedures and devices are used to perform imaging studies, mucus flow studies, air/gas flow studies, anatomic dimension studies and endoscopic studies. Access and occluding devices may be used to facilitate insertion of working devices such asendoscopes, wires, probes, needles, catheters, balloon catheters, dilation catheters, dilators, balloons, tissue cutting or remodeling devices, suction or irrigation devices, imaging devices, sizing devices, biopsy devices, image-guided devices containing sensors or transmitters, electrosurgical devices, energy emitting devices, devices for injecting diagnostic or therapeutic agents, devices for implanting devices such as stents, substance eluting or delivering devices and implants, etc.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A medical device for accessing a paranasal sinus structure of a patient, comprising:
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a handle; a probing element extending outwardly from said handle to a distal end, said handle being removably attached to said probing element, said probing element having a distal region terminating in an atraumatic tip at said distal end, wherein the distal end region is malleable so as to be adapted to allow a user to shape the distal end region to match the patient'"'"'s specific anatomy; and a working device preloaded and slidably positioned over the probing element, the working device being slidable relative to the probing element between a retracted position and an extended position immediately adjacent said distal end. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification