Devices, systems and methods useable for treating frontal sinusitis

摘要

Devices, systems and methods wherein a dilator, such as a balloon or other expandable member, is positionable within the frontal sinus ostium and adjacent frontal recess and useable to dilate the frontal sinus ostium and substantially all of the frontal sinus recess without requiring repositioning and repeated re-expansion of the dilator. One balloon catheter device of the invention comprises a catheter body that is less than about 50 cm in length (and in some embodiments less than 25 cm in length and a semi-compliant or non-compliant balloon on the catheter body. The balloon may have a working length of about 12 mm to about 30 mm and a width at its widest point when fully inflated of about 2 mm to about 7 mm. Such balloon may be constructed to withstand inflation pressures of about 12 atmospheres. In some embodiments, the dilator is advanced through or over a guide (e.g., guidewire or guide catheter) that has a preformed shape.

主权项

1. A method for dilating a frontal recess in a human or animal subject with a dilation catheter, the dilation catheter comprising a catheter shaft, a dilator positioned along a distal portion of the catheter shaft and having a sufficient length to extend through the frontal recess, the method comprising:
(a) inserting a guide into a head of the subject; (b) advancing the guide to the frontal recess, then stopping advancement of the guide when a distal portion of the guide is positioned within or adjacent to the frontal recess; (c) advancing the dilation catheter relative to the guide to position the dilator within the frontal recess; and (d) expanding the dilator, wherein expansion of the dilator results in dilation of the frontal recess and at least some breakage of bone adjacent to the frontal recess.