Devices and Method for Maxillary Sinus Lavage

Abstract

A lavage catheter for the treatment of a maxillary sinus is described. The catheter comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion comprises an irrigation tip. The irrigation tip has a tip opening through which fluid may be delivered by one handed operation of the catheter. A method for lavaging the maxillary sinus includes inserting the lavage catheter into a patient's anatomy and advancing the irrigation tip into the maxillary sinus using one hand.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001]The present invention relates, in general, to medical devices and, in particular, to medical devices and related methods for the treatment of sinus conditions.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002]The paranasal sinuses are hollow cavities in the skull connected by small openings, known as ostia, to the nasal canal. Each ostium between a paranasal sinus and the nasal cavity is formed by a bone covered by a layer of mucosal tissue. Normally, air passes into and out of the paranasal sinuses through the ostia. Also, mucus is continually formed by the mucosal lining of the sinuses and drains through the ostia and into the nasal canal.[0003]Sinusitis is a general term that refers to inflammation in one or more of the paranasal sinuses. Acute sinusitis can be associated with upper respiratory infections or allergic conditions, which may cause tissue swelling and temporarily impede normal trans-ostial drainage and ventilation of the sinuses, thereby resulting in som...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a catheter for the lavage of a maxillary sinus that has an elongate shaft with a bend angle of between about 90 degrees and 140 degrees, a distal irrigation tube in coaxial arrangement with the elongate shaft, an illuminating fiber, and a handle with an actuator. The actuator is useful for advancing the distal irrigation tube into the maxillary sinus. The catheter can also have a distal irrigation tube that is surrounded by the elongate shaft. The actuator can have a light access port. The invention also includes a kit that includes the catheter and a fluid delivery system. The catheter can be used with an endoscope. The method for using the catheter involves positioning it in the nasal anatomy and advancing the irrigation tip into the maxillary sinus. The fluid can be delivered at a flow rate of between 50 ml / min and 250 ml / min. The invention provides a tool for effectively cleaning and irrigating the maxillary sinus.

Problems solved by technology

Acute sinusitis can be associated with upper respiratory infections or allergic conditions, which may cause tissue swelling and temporarily impede normal trans-ostial drainage and ventilation of the sinuses, thereby resulting in some collection of mucus and possibly infection within the sinus cavities.

Chronic sinusitis, if left untreated, can result in irreparable damage to the tissues and / or bony structures of the paranasal anatomy.

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