Nasal stimulation devices and methods

摘要

Described here are devices, systems, and methods for treating one or more conditions (such as dry eye) or improving ocular health by providing stimulation to nasal or sinus tissue. Generally, the devices may be handheld or implantable. In some variations, the handheld devices may have a stimulator body and a stimulator probe having one or more nasal insertion prongs. When the devices and systems are used to treat dry eye, nasal or sinus tissue may be stimulated to increase tear production, reduce the symptoms of dry eye, and/or improve ocular surface health.

主权项

1. A method for stimulating nasal tissue of a subject, comprising:
delivering an electrical stimulus to the nasal tissue to activate a nerve, wherein the electrical stimulus is delivered from a device, the device comprising:
a stimulator body; anda stimulator probe connected to the stimulator body, wherein the stimulator probe comprises a nasal insertion prong for insertion into a nasal cavity of the subject and a base member configured as a stop that restricts the distance that the nasal insertion prong can be inserted into the nasal cavity, andwherein the stimulator body comprises a control subsystem to control the electrical stimulus to be delivered to the subject via the stimulator probe.