Abstract: A dilation catheter comprises a handle, a guidewire, a dilation catheter, a guidewire movement mechanism, and dilation catheter movement actuator. The guidewire movement mechanism is configured to translate to thereby cause translation of the guidewire relative to the handle. The dilation catheter movement mechanism is configured to translate to thereby cause translation of the dilation catheter relative to the handle. The guidewire movement mechanism also includes a rotation mechanism configured to impart rotation upon the guidewire. The rotation mechanism may include features configured to limit the amount that the guidewire may rotate. The rotation mechanism may also include features configured to convert linear movement of an actuator into rotational movement of the guidewire. The dilation catheter may include features configured to provide for side entry of the guidewire into the dilation catheter.

Abstract: Apparatus, including a guidewire having a distal end, that is configured to be inserted into proximity with a nasal sinus of a patient, the guidewire having a lumen. The apparatus also includes an optic fiber, traversing the lumen, configured to illuminate the distal end, and a coil, wound around the optic fiber and located within the lumen at the distal end, configured to generate a signal in response to a magnetic field interacting with the coil. A processor is configured to receive the signal and to evaluate a location of the distal end in response to the signal.

Abstract: A dilation catheter system comprises a guide member, a dilation catheter, and an image sensor. The guide member includes a shaft comprising a distal end and a proximal end. The shaft further defines a longitudinal axis. The dilation catheter is movable relative to the guide catheter member and comprises an expandable dilator. The expandable dilator is sized to fit within one or both of a Eustachian tube or a passageway associated with a paranasal sinus. The image sensor is configured to provide visualization within anatomy of a patient. The image sensor is integral with the guide member.

Abstract: A dilation catheter system comprises a guide member, a dilation catheter, and an image sensor. The guide member includes a shaft comprising a distal end and a proximal end. The shaft further defines a longitudinal axis. The dilation catheter is movable relative to the guide catheter member and comprises an expandable dilator. The expandable dilator is sized to fit within one or both of a Eustachian tube or a passageway associated with a paranasal sinus. The image sensor is configured to provide visualization within anatomy of a patient. The image sensor is integral with the guide member.

Abstract: A guide catheter system for use in treating the sinus cavity or Eustachian tube is described. The system includes a guide catheter that has a proximal end and a distal end and an elongate shaft between the proximal end and the distal end and a guidewire. The guide catheter includes a deflection feature on a distal tip of the distal end for deflecting the guidewire at a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A dilation apparatus comprises an elongate member and a dilation assembly that is slidable along the elongate member. The dilation assembly comprises a platform and an inflatable dilator. The platform and the elongate member cooperate to absorb inflation forces from the dilator directed toward the longitudinal axis of the elongate member, such that the dilation forces are exerted against tissue asymmetrically relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. The dilation apparatus may be used to dilate the ethmoid infundibulum in a human patient. Various devices may be used to maintain the dilated state of an ethmoid infundibulum, including a wedge, a mesh, and a tether. An illuminator may be configured to reach around an uncinate process, retract the uncinate process, and then illuminate the ethmoid infundibulum to provide improved visualization of the ethmoid infundibulum.

Abstract: An apparatus may be used to form an opening in a sinus wall. The apparatus comprises a first cutting member and a second cutting member. The first cutting member comprises a helical blade. The second cutting member is slidably disposed about the first cutting member. The second cutting member comprises a sharp distal edge. An outer sheath is slidably disposed about the first and second cutting member. The sheath may be retracted to uncover the helical blade. The second cutting member may be advanced over the first cutting member to form a circular opening in the sinus wall. The sheath may include an obliquely angled distal edge. A cleaning instrument may be used to clean debris from the first cutting member.

Abstract: A catheter system includes a balloon dilation catheter. The balloon dilation catheter includes an elongate shaft, an expandable dilation balloon, and an expandable stop element. The elongate shaft has a dilation balloon lumen that is configured to couple with a first fluid supply. The expandable dilation balloon is coupled to the elongate shaft and is fluidly connected to the dilation balloon lumen. The expandable dilation balloon is configured to transition between an inflated state and a non-inflated state. The expandable stop element is distal to the expandable dilation balloon. The expandable stop element is configured to transition between an expanded state and a non-expanded state. The expanded dilation balloon is configured to define a larger outer diameter in the inflated state than an outer diameter defined by the expandable stop element in the expanded state.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a handle assembly, a guide tube, and a wire. The handle assembly includes a body and an actuator. The guide tube extends distally from the handle assembly and includes a distal end. The wire is slidably disposed in the guide tube. The wire has a distal end including a sensor. The sensor is configured to cooperate with a navigation system to generate a map of anatomical structures within a patient. The wire is coupled with the actuator. The actuator is movable relative to the body to move the wire relative to the guide tube.

Abstract: A method includes receiving image data, receiving surgical procedure data, and generating an operation plan. The image data is associated with anatomical structures in a nasal cavity of a patient. The image data and the surgical procedure data are received through a computing system. The act of generating an operation plan includes identifying a path for a surgical instrument in accordance with the image data and in accordance with the surgical procedure data. The act of generating the operation plan is performed through a computing system. The act of generating an operation plan further includes generating one or more instructional images depicting the identified path for the surgical instrument in a depiction of anatomical structures in the nasal cavity of the patient.

Abstract: A dilation catheter comprises a handle, a guidewire, a dilation catheter, a guidewire movement mechanism, and dilation catheter movement actuator. The guidewire movement mechanism is configured to translate to thereby cause translation of the guidewire relative to the handle. The dilation catheter movement mechanism is configured to translate to thereby cause translation of the dilation catheter relative to the handle. The guidewire movement mechanism also includes a rotation mechanism configured to impart rotation upon the guidewire. The rotation mechanism may include features configured to limit the amount that the guidewire may rotate. The rotation mechanism may also include features configured to convert linear movement of an actuator into rotational movement of the guidewire. The dilation catheter may include features configured to provide for side entry of the guidewire into the dilation catheter.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a handle assembly, a guide tube, and a wire. The handle assembly includes a body and an actuator. The guide tube extends distally from the handle assembly and includes a distal end. The wire is slidably disposed in the guide tube. The wire has a distal end including a sensor. The sensor is configured to cooperate with a navigation system to generate a map of anatomical structures within a patient. The wire is coupled with the actuator. The actuator is movable relative to the body to move the wire relative to the guide tube.

Abstract: A dilation catheter comprises a handle, a guidewire, a dilation catheter, a guidewire movement mechanism, and dilation catheter movement actuator. The guidewire movement mechanism is configured to translate to thereby cause translation of the guidewire relative to the handle. The dilation catheter movement mechanism is configured to translate to thereby cause translation of the dilation catheter relative to the handle. The guidewire movement mechanism also includes a rotation mechanism configured to impart rotation upon the guidewire. The rotation mechanism may include features configured to limit the amount that the guidewire may rotate. The rotation mechanism may also include features configured to convert linear movement of an actuator into rotational movement of the guidewire. The dilation catheter may include features configured to provide for side entry of the guidewire into the dilation catheter.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an absorbent body, a non-permeable feature, and a port feature. The absorbent body comprises a wicking feature. The non-permeable feature is coupled with the absorbent body. The non-permeable feature and at least a portion of the absorbent body are configured to fit in an opening in a paranasal sinus wall. The port feature extends through the absorbent body. The port feature defines a lumen. The wicking feature extends outwardly relative to the port lumen. During installation of the apparatus, the non-permeable feature is positioned in an opening in the paranasal sinus wall. The absorbent body is oriented such that the wicking feature is in contact with mucosal tissue in a sinus cavity defined by the paranasal sinus wall. A proximal portion of the absorbent body is positioned outside the paranasal sinus wall.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a handle assembly, a guide assembly, and a dilation catheter. The guide assembly extends distally from the handle assembly. The guide assembly includes a malleable guide member and a flexible guide member. The distal end of the flexible guide member is distal to the distal end of the malleable guide member. The flexible guide member is positioned about the malleable guide member and is slidable along the malleable guide member. The dilation catheter is slidably disposed about the flexible guide member.

Abstract: An inflator comprises a body, a first drive member, and a second drive member. The body defines a reservoir that is configured to hold fluid and includes an outlet. The first drive member is operable to move through the reservoir to drive fluid from the reservoir through the outlet. The second drive member is engaged with the first drive member. The second drive member is movable relative to the body through a first range of motion to actuate the first drive member to drive fluid through the outlet at a first rate. The second drive member is movable relative to the body through a second range of motion following the first range of motion. The first drive member is configured to either drive fluid through the outlet at a second rate or not drive fluid through the outlet as the second drive member moves through the second range of motion.

Abstract: A dilation catheter system comprises a guide member, a dilation catheter, and an image sensor. The guide member includes a shaft comprising a distal end and a proximal end. The shaft further defines a longitudinal axis. The dilation catheter is movable relative to the guide catheter member and comprises an expandable dilator. The expandable dilator is sized to fit within one or both of a Eustachian tube or a passageway associated with a paranasal sinus. The image sensor is configured to provide visualization within anatomy of a patient. The image sensor is integral with the guide member.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body and a conduit. The body comprises an absorbent material. The conduit is in fluid communication with the body. The conduit has a suction opening positioned within the absorbent material. The conduit is operable to draw fluid away from the absorbent material. The apparatus may be positioned within the posterior choana or the nasopharynx of a patient using a deployment instrument. The apparatus may prevent fluids from draining from the nasal cavity into the patient's throat. In some instances, the apparatus is used as a plug during a sinus irrigation procedure to prevent irrigation fluid from traveling down the patient's throat.

Abstract: A gripping system for use in treating the sinus cavity is described. The system includes a handle for single handed operation that includes access to the sinus cavity and treatment by dilation of an anatomical passageway within the ear, nose or throat. The handle contains a guide catheter or seeker for proper placement of the system and further includes a balloon catheter cartridge for treatment of the cavity. The handle may further contain a guidewire cartridge to ensure proper access of the cavity or a stabilizing feature for incorporation of an endoscope.

Abstract: A guide member system includes a guide member, a light source, and a detector. The guide member comprises at least one illumination fiber. The at least one illumination fiber distally transmits the light projected by the light source from the proximal end of the guide member to the distal end of the guide member. The distal end of the guide member is projects the distally transmitted light. The distal end of the guide member receives light projected from the distal end of the guide member and reflected back toward the distal end of the guide member. The at least one illumination fiber proximally transmits the reflected light from the distal end of the guide member to the proximal end of the guide member. The proximal end of the guide member projects the proximally transmitted light toward the detector. The detector detects the proximally transmitted light.