System and method for treatment of non-ventilating middle ear by providing a gas pathway through the nasopharynx

摘要

Methods and devices for providing a gas pathway between the nasopharynx and the Eustachian tube are provided. One device may include a lumen with a valve. A portion of the valve may be tethered to adjacent muscle. Another portion of the valve may be tethered to adjacent cartilage. When the muscle contracts the valve may open through movement of the tethers, and provide a gas pathway between the nasopharynx and the Eustachian tube.

主权项

1. A method for providing a gas pathway and introducing a therapeutic substance in the middle ear region of a patient, comprising:
(a) introducing an endoluminal implant via the patient's nasopharynx into a Eustachian tube (ET) of the patient, wherein the endoluminal implant:
i. contains the therapeutic substance; andii. is configured to elute the therapeutic substance into tissue of the ET; (b) providing an intermittent gas pathway between a lumen of the ET and the nasopharynx using the endoluminal implant; and (c) eluting the therapeutic substance into the tissue of the ET that is adjacent to the endoluminal implant.