Abstract: A method of ablating tissue of a target anatomical structure in an ear, a nose, or a throat of a patient includes inserting a balloon catheter into the ear, the nose, or the throat. The distal end of the balloon catheter is advanced distally until the balloon is disposed in the target anatomical structure. The balloon is inflated to an expanded configuration in the target anatomical structure. The tissue is ablated using at least one of photodynamic therapy or heated inflation fluid within the balloon. For photodynamic therapy, a photosensitizer is exposed to a light to produce a form of oxygen to ablate the target anatomical structure when the balloon is in the expanded configuration. For heated inflation fluid, heat is applied by a heating element to heat the inflation fluid in the balloon and thereby ablate the target anatomical structure when the balloon is in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for anesthetizing various portions of a patient's nasal sinuses. For example, a kit can be provided that includes a first agent configured to modulate a rate of absorption of a subsequently-applied topical agent by one or more nasal structures. The kit also includes a first applicator configured to apply the first agent to a first portion of the one or more nasal structures. The kit also includes a second agent configured to anesthetize the first portion of the one or more nasal structures subsequent to application of the first agent and a second applicator configured to apply the second agent to the second portion of the one or more nasal structures.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for anesthetizing various portions of a patient's nasal sinuses. For example, a kit can be provided that includes a first agent configured to modulate a rate of absorption of a subsequently-applied topical agent by one or more nasal structures. The kit also includes a first applicator configured to apply the first agent to a first portion of the one or more nasal structures. The kit also includes a second agent configured to anesthetize the first portion of the one or more nasal structures subsequent to application of the first agent and a second applicator configured to apply the second agent to the second portion of the one or more nasal structures.