| 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 performing a surgery on a paranasal sinus of a human or animal subject, said method comprising the steps of:
a) inserting at least one endoscope; b) inserting at least one rigid tool capable of performing a maneuver within the field of view of the endoscope; c) inserting a balloon catheter that has at least one flexible region capable of performing a maneuver outside the field of view of the endoscope, the balloon catheter comprising a catheter shaft, a non-compliant balloon mounted on the catheter shaft, said balloon being positionable within the opening of the paranasal sinus while in a non-inflated state and thereafter inflatable to an inflated state having a diameter of at least about 3 mm such that it will cause dilation of the opening of the paranasal sinus, said balloon having an outer surface comprising a polymeric material and at least one position indicating element useable to determine when the balloon is positioned within the opening of the paranasal sinus so as to cause the desired dilation; d) using the rigid tool to perform a maneuver within the field of view of the endoscope; and e) using the at least one tubular device to perform a maneuver outside the field of view of the endoscope. |
