Abstract: A stent that is sleeved and radially expandable, and which in an expanded state provides a breathable, generally tubular structure sized and shaped for residence in a sinus or nasal cavity or passage, and in an unexpanded state has a cross-sectional diameter suitable for insertion into such cavity or passage. The sleeve limits expansion and outward pressure exerted by the stent and thereby can prevent or reduce the incidence of headache in patients, and can provide increased surface area for improved elution of chugs to nearby mucosal tissue.

Abstract: Implants are placed in turbinate mucosal tissue using a surgical device having a proximal grip portion and a distal hollow sharp needle portion that is manipulated using the grip portion and inserted submucosally into mucosal turbinate tissue. One or more biodegradable, drug-eluting solid implants are disposed within the needle. The implants have one or more implant withdrawal-discouraging, mucosal tissue-engaging surface features along their length. An actuator disposed within the device is used to deliver one or more of the implants from the needle into the mucosal turbinate tissue and submucosally bury at least one such tissue-engaging feature therein.

Abstract: A stent (100) that is sleeved and radially expandable, and which in an expanded state provides a breathable, generally tubular structure sized and shaped for residence in a sinus or nasal cavity or passage, and in an unexpanded state has a cross-sectional diameter suitable for insertion into such cavity or passage. The sleeve limits expansion and outward pressure exerted by the stent and thereby can prevent or reduce the incidence of headache in patients, and can provide increased surface area for improved elution of drugs to nearby mucosal tissue.

Abstract: A sinus dilation instrument useful with a navigation system and including a handle, a rigid probe, a balloon, and an identifier device. The probe extends from the handle, forms a curved segment, and carries the balloon. The identifier device is programmed to generate a signal indicative of an instrument identification assigned to the instrument, and is a frontal, maxillary or sphenoid sinus instrument. The signal is formatted to be recognized by an IGS. Once connected, the IGS recognizes the instrument and can retrieve information indicative of a spatial location of the balloon, for example via an instrument tracking device. A surgeon can “plug and play” the sinus dilation instrument with the IGS to perform a procedure.

Abstract: Implants are placed in turbinate mucosal tissue using a surgical device having a proximal grip portion and a distal hollow sharp needle portion that is manipulated using the grip portion and inserted submucosally into mucosal turbinate tissue. One or more biodegradable, drug-eluting solid implants are disposed within the needle. The implants have one or more implant withdrawal-discouraging, mucosal tissue-engaging surface features along their length. An actuator disposed within the device is used to deliver one or more of the implants from the needle into the mucosal turbinate tissue and submucosally bury at least one such tissue-engaging feature therein.

Abstract: A system and method of processing bone is disclosed. A tissue separator is utilized to separate tissue comprising at least one of muscle, periosteum and connective tissue from bone in a safe, sterile and efficient manner. In one aspect, the particle reducer can include an impeller positioned with respect to a cutting surface on a drum. At least one of the impeller and the drum is rotated by a power source such that harvested tissue frictionally engages the cutting surface. In another aspect, a source of pressurized fluid can be directed at tissue to separate bone from non-bone tissue.

Abstract: A system and method of processing bone is disclosed. A tissue separator is utilized to separate tissue comprising at least one of muscle, periosteum and connective tissue from bone in a safe, sterile and efficient manner. In one aspect, the particle reducer can include an impeller positioned with respect to a cutting surface on a drum. At least one of the impeller and the drum is rotated by a power source such that harvested tissue frictionally engages the cutting surface. In another aspect, a source of pressurized fluid can be directed at tissue to separate bone from non-bone tissue.

Abstract: A method for detaching, removing or otherwise disrupting bacteria or biofilm by applying with pressure an antimicrobial wash. The antimicrobial wash contains a biguanide compound or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Implants are placed in turbinate mucosal tissue using a surgical device having a proximal grip portion and a distal hollow sharp needle portion that is manipulated using the grip portion and inserted submucosally into mucosal turbinate tissue. One or more biodegradable, drug-eluting solid implants are disposed within the needle. The implants have one or more implant withdrawal-discouraging, mucosal tissue-engaging surface features along their length. An actuator disposed within the device is used to deliver one or more of the implants from the needle into the mucosal turbinate tissue and submucosally bury at least one such tissue-engaging feature therein.

Abstract: A method for detaching, removing or otherwise disrupting bacteria or biofilm by applying with pressure an antimicrobial wash. The antimicrobial wash contains a biguanide compound or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A system and method of processing bone is disclosed. A tissue separator is utilized to separate tissue comprising at least one of muscle, periosteum and connective tissue from bone in a safe, sterile and efficient manner. In one aspect, the particle reducer can include an impeller positioned with respect to a cutting surface on a drum. At least one of the impeller and the drum is rotated by a power source such that harvested tissue frictionally engages the cutting surface. In another aspect, a source of pressurized fluid can be directed at tissue to separate bone from non-bone tissue.

Abstract: Implants are placed in turbinate mucosal tissue using a surgical device having a proximal grip portion and a distal hollow sharp needle portion that is manipulated using the grip portion and inserted submucosally into mucosal turbinate tissue. One or more biodegradable, drug-eluting solid implants are disposed within the needle. The implants have one or more implant withdrawal-discouraging, mucosal tissue-engaging surface features along their length. An actuator disposed within the device is used to deliver one or more of the implants from the needle into the mucosal turbinate tissue and submucosally bury at least one such tissue-engaging feature therein.

Abstract: A sinus dilation instrument useful with a navigation system and including a handle, a rigid probe, a balloon, and an identifier device. The probe extends from the handle, forms a curved segment, and carries the balloon. The identifier device is programmed to generate a signal indicative of an instrument identification assigned to the instrument, and is a frontal, maxillary or sphenoid sinus instrument. The signal is formatted to be recognized by an IGS. Once connected, the IGS recognizes the instrument and can retrieve information indicative of a spatial location of the balloon, for example via an instrument tracking device. A surgeon can “plug and play” the sinus dilation instrument with the IGS to perform a procedure.

Abstract: Tissue and other body structures may be protected using a dry, free-flowing, sterilized mixture of chitosan particles and oxidized polysaccharide particles in sealed packaging. The mixture may assist in returning an injured, inflamed or surgically repaired surface to a normal state, e.g., through one or more healing mechanisms such as modulation of an inflammatory response, phagocytosis, mucosal remodeling, reciliation or other full or partial restoration of normal function.

Abstract: A sinus dilation instrument useful with a navigation system and including a handle, a rigid probe, a balloon, and an identifier device. The probe extends from the handle, forms a curved segment, and carries the balloon. The identifier device is programmed to generate a signal indicative of an instrument identification assigned to the instrument, and is a frontal, maxillary or sphenoid sinus instrument. The signal is formatted to be recognized by an IGS. Once connected, the IGS recognizes the instrument and can retrieve information indicative of a spatial location of the balloon, for example via an instrument tracking device. A surgeon can “plug and play” the sinus dilation instrument with the IGS to perform a procedure.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device having a tubular outer shaft and an inner shaft is disclosed. The tubular outer shaft includes an axis and a distal end region. The distal end region includes a distal-most tip and a cutting edge defining a window in the outer shaft proximal along the axis to the distal-most tip. The inner shaft inner shaft coaxially maintained within the outer shaft such that the inner shaft is movable about the axis with respect to the outer shaft and wherein a portion of the inner shaft is exposed in the window of the outer shaft. A first electrode is disposed on the outer shaft in a region proximal along the axis to the window, and a second electrode is electrically isolated from the first electrode and disposed on the inner shaft. The second electrode is exposed in the window of the outer shaft.

Abstract: A purified and sterilized polysaccharide that exhibits enhanced and extended shelf life over conventionally prepared polysaccharides for biomedical applications. The polysaccharide, upon crosslinking, forms a hydrogel that functions as a protective coating or on tissue and structures in the ears, nose, throat, limbs and spinal column.

Abstract: An inflation device useful for inflating a balloon provided with a surgical instrument, such as a balloon sinus dilation instrument. The inflation device includes a syringe, a connector, and mechanical pressure indicator. The syringe includes a plunger slidably disposed within a barrel. The connector is configured to fluidly connect an outlet of the syringe with a surgical instrument balloon in establishing a closed inflation system between the syringe and an interior of the balloon. The pressure indicator is associated with the syringe and is configured to transition from a non-alert state to an alert state when a pressure of the inflation system has reached a predetermined level. In some embodiments, the inflation device is characterized by the absence of a pressure gauge.

Abstract: A stent (100) that is sleeved and radially expandable, and which in an expanded state provides a breathable, generally tubular structure sized and shaped for residence in a sinus or nasal cavity or passage, and in an unexpanded state has a cross-sectional diameter suitable for insertion into such cavity or passage. The sleeve limits expansion and outward pressure exerted by the stent and thereby can prevent or reduce the incidence of headache in patients, and can provide increased surface area for improved elution of drugs to nearby mucosal tissue.

Abstract: A method for detaching, removing or otherwise disrupting bacteria or biofilm by applying with pressure an antimicrobial wash. The antimicrobial wash contains a biguanide compound or mixtures thereof.