Systems and Methods for Performing Image Guided Procedures Within the Ear, Nose, Throat and Paranasal Sinuses

Abstract

Devices, systems and methods for performing image guided interventional and surgical procedures, including various procedures to treat sinusitis and other disorders of the paranasal sinuses, ears, nose or throat.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 436,892, filed May 17, 2006, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 116,118, filed Apr. 26, 2005 which is a continuation in part of four earlier-filed applications, namely 1) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 829,917, filed on Apr. 21, 2004, 2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 912,578, filed on Aug. 4, 2004, 3) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 944,270, filed on Sep. 17, 2004 and 4) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 037,548, filed Jan. 17, 2005, the entireties of each such parent application being expressly incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to medical devices, systems and methods and more particularly to methods and devices for performing image guided interventional procedures to treat disorders of the paranasal sinuses, ears, nose or throat (ENT).BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONA. Re...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides methods, systems, and devices for performing image guided procedures for treating diseases or disorders of the ear, nose, throat, and paranasal sinuses. The invention allows for the precise positioning of working devices within the body, without the need for direct line-of-sight endoscopic view. The invention also includes sensor-equipped working devices that can be used to perform image guided FTSI procedures or other ENT procedures. The invention provides a system of working devices specifically useable for image guided FTSI procedures, including a flexible guidewire and a dilation catheter. The invention allows for the advancement of the working device through tortuous regions of the intra nasal anatomy and can be positioned behind obstructive anatomical structures without traumatizing or requiring surgical modification.

Problems solved by technology

In some cases, such dilation of the ostium may fracture, move or remodel bony structures that surround or are adjacent to the ostium.

Electromechanical systems have not been widely used in ENT or sinus surgery.

This is so because a typical endoscopic image is a spatially limited, two dimensional, line-of-sight view.

However, in the new FTSI procedures and other new ENT procedures that use flexible and / or malleable catheters and instruments, it is no longer suitable to mount the sensors on proximal portions of the surgical instruments such that the sensors remain outside of the body.

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