| 摘要 |
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. Specific devices (e.g., tubular guides, guidewires, balloon catheters, tubular sheaths) are provided as are methods for manufacturing and using such devices to treat disorders of the ear, nose or throat. |
| 主权项 |
1. A method of treating a human or animal subject, the method comprising:
(a) inserting an endoscope into a nostril of the human or animal subject; (b) inserting at least one tool into the nostril of the human or animal subject, wherein the tool is configured to perform a maneuver within a field of view of the endoscope; (c) inserting a balloon catheter into the nostril of the human or animal subject, wherein the balloon catheter comprises:
(i) a catheter shaft,(ii) a balloon mounted on the catheter shaft, wherein the balloon is configured to be positioned within a passageway associated with a paranasal sinus in an unexpanded state, wherein the balloon is expandable to thereby dilate the passageway,(iii) at least one flexible region configured to enable the balloon catheter to perform a maneuver outside the field of view of the endoscope, and(iv) at least one position indicating element operable to indicate positioning of the balloon in the passageway; (d) using the tool to perform a maneuver within the field of view of the endoscope; and (e) using the balloon catheter to perform a maneuver outside the field of view of the endoscope. |
