Abstract: Medical devices which are adapted to be inserted into a patient for a limited period of time using minimally invasive insertion procedures for dilating a stenotic opening, such as a stenotic sinus opening, are provided. The devices and methods can be used for treating sinusitis and other nasal and/or sinus disorders.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for stenting, spacing, draining, ventilating and/or delivering drugs and other therapeutic or diagnostic substances to desired locations within the bodies of human or non-human animal subjects, including methods and systems for treating paranasal sinusitis and ethmoid disease.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device and method for facilitating air flow in the nasal passage of a domestic animal. The nasal support device (NSD) disclosed herein is useful for facilitating air flow during rest, physical exertion, respiratory ailment, etc. The NSD secures to the nose of a domestic animal to support the unsupported lateral vestibular walls of the nasal passages by lifting or stenting.

Abstract: Medical devices which are adapted to be inserted into a patient for a limited period of time using minimally invasive insertion procedures for dilating a stenotic opening, such as a stenotic sinus opening, are provided. The devices and methods can be used for treating sinusitis and other nasal and/or sinus disorders.

Abstract: Therapeutic delivery systems are provided which, in a first embodiment, contain a plurality of multiphase capsules in which first and second therapeutic agents are contained in separate phases within said multiphase capsules, and are disposed to deliver said first and therapeutic agents by at least two different delivery mechanisms.

Abstract: An internal nasal dilator and compound delivery apparatus including a holding element and first and second nostril expanders each consisting essentially of a flexible, preferably continuous, and tubular member, wherein at least a portion of the element and expanders are formed of a structural core and compliant outer layer, and/or the apparatus includes a plurality of distending protrusions configured to discharge a quantity of compound over a period.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided which shield at least one turbinate from trauma or damage during sinus surgery that could be caused by direct contact with diagnostic and therapeutic devices. The devices and methods provided are particularly useful for protecting nasal turbinates during FESS and FTIS procedures.

Abstract: Medical devices and related methods are disclosed for delivering an implant into the body of a patient. The devices include a damping assembly having an internal chamber with a varying inner diameter, and a piston slideably disposed therein. The piston is operably connected with a catheter portion such that movement of the piston is associated with concurrent movement of the catheter for implant delivery. The varying inner diameter of the damping assembly results in a decrease in damping force during implant delivery, thus providing a substantially constant velocity of implant delivery.

Abstract: Described are magnets, dilating members comprising magnets, and nasal dilators for nasal dilatation that dynamically maintain fit and dilatation in a user's nostrils without manual intervention. Also described are kits comprising multiple pairs of magnets for assembling a nasal dilator to meet a user's requirements.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a nose plug device comprising a compressible material to exert a pressure on bleeding areas in inner wall of nostril. The present nose plug device can further comprise a bio-lubricant coating to help in device removal.

Abstract: Devices, methods and kits which, when installed or used, access, aspire, dilate, insufflate, drain or deliver fluid medicaments to, or place a patency device within a sinus area, such as a maxillary sinus or a maxillary sinus ostium. The device can include a hollow catheter and probe, and can be configured to permit gradual and incremental probe extension. The device can be constructed to enhance the precision and maneuverability within the nasal and sinus passageways, while also accommodating the natural anatomical geometry of a targeted paranasal treatment site. For example, the present treatment and placement device can accomplish access to the maxillary sinus ostium by utilizing an uncinate process to guide a probe tip into the ostium in a retrograde manner. The probe can be slidably, bi-directionally or co-axially positioned within the catheter. A distal portion of the probe can be biased away from a longitudinal axis of the catheter.

Abstract: A nasal insert may include a wall in the shape of a tube, the wall including a first end defining a first orifice and a second end defining a second orifice. The first end may have a diameter, diagonal measurement, or cross-sectional area larger than that of the second end. The first end may define at least one break in the wall, so that the first end incompletely encircles the first orifice. The second end may completely encircle the second orifice.

Abstract: Inventive embodiments disclosed herein include a catheter for dilating a sinus cavity lumen. The catheter includes a guide tube, having a proximal end and a distal end, that terminates in a distal tip; a sleeve member annularly positioned over the guide tube, wherein the sleeve member is movable relative to the guide tube and is capable of being advanced over the guide tube; and a balloon coupled to the sleeve member, wherein the balloon can be extendable and inflated at or beyond the end of the guide tube.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods comprising an instrument for expanding a paranasal sinus. The instrument may comprise an expandable disposable medical device is adapted to extend away from a distal portion of a shaft of an insertion device.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for stenting, spacing, draining, ventilating and/or delivering drugs and other therapeutic or diagnostic substances to desired locations within the bodies of human or non-human animal subjects, including methods and systems for treating paranasal sinusitis and ethmoid disease.

Abstract: Naso-pharyngeal devices for treating sleep apnea can perform two functions simultaneously: keeping an open airway through an inner lumen of the device; and support for the tissue in the airway, because keeping the tissue from completely collapsing creates the possibility of some air movement around the device in the critical areas associated with obstructive sleep apnea.

Abstract: A method of dilating an infundibular space within the human head includes directing at least a distal portion of an elongate member of a medical device into a nasal cavity of the human head, the distal portion including a piercing tip and an expandable portion. The piercing tip is directed through tissue of an uncinate process or tissue near an uncinate process and into an ethmoid infundibulum and the expandable portion of the distal end is expanded within the ethmoid infundibulum.

Abstract: A method of remodeling the uncinate process associated with a paranasal sinus includes positioning at least one shim member in the infundibulum, the shim member deforming the uncinate process and widening at least a portion of the infundibulum. The infundibulum space may be dilated with a dilating member. Dilation may occur prior to delivery of the at least one shim. The dilation member may be delivered into the sinus cavity via an access passageway formed in the canine fossa.

Abstract: A nasal stent is provided as a lattice formed from a biologically absorbable material. The lattice has a plurality of intersecting semi-rigid rods defining interstitial spaces therebetween. The interstitial spaces are sufficiently large such that, when the stent is installed between a patient's overlying mucosal lining and underlying cartilaginous septum, the stent does not substantially impede diffusion of blood supply from the overlying mucosal lining to the underlying cartilaginous septum. The lattice also has sufficient rigidity so as to be able to compress the septal cartilage into a flat plane.

Abstract: A nasal dilator capable of introducing separating stresses in nasal outer wall tissues has a resilient member and a pair of spaced-apart end surfaces which can be forced toward one another from an initial flat position of the dilator to thereby substantially reduce the direct spacing therebetween by an external spacing reducing force. This results in restoring forces in the dilator tending to return it to the original direct spacing between the end surfaces. Resilient members, which can be asymmetrical with respect to a centerline of the dilator that is parallel to the long axis of the dilator, have a spring rate which continuously diminishes from the centerline to the end surfaces. The edges of the resilient members are contiguous to the edge of the cushion layer so that adhesive on the cushion layer is at the same level as the bottom surface of the resilient members.

Abstract: A mechanical dilator (1), which can be inserted in the nasal cavities through the nostrils to aid air flow, includes two elastic elements (2), having an elongate arched shape, and a fork (3), having arms (4) which are connected by a bridge (5), the arms supporting the elastic elements (2), cantilever-style, on two sides of the fork (3), extending outwards from the arms.

Abstract: Described here are paranasal sinus devices for treating paranasal sinus conditions. The devices include a cavity member, ostial member, and nasal portion. One or more of the cavity member, ostial member, and nasal portion may deliver an active agent for sustained release to treat the paranasal sinus condition. Exemplary paranasal sinus conditions are sinus inflammation due to functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and rhinosinusitis.

Abstract: An improved device and method for the removal of objects from orifices is provided; a pair of tweezers comprising two arms, each arm having a distal end and a proximate end, the arms being connected together at their proximate ends, either or both arms including stop means for limiting a depth of insertion of either or both distal end into an orifice; and, a method of removing mucus from a nostril, including the steps of providing a pair of tweezers comprising two arms, each arm having a distal end and a proximate end, the arms being connected together at their proximate ends, either or both arms including stop means for limiting a depth of insertion of either or both distal end into an orifice; inserting the distal ends of the arms into a nostril; gripping said mucus by the squeezing together of said arms; and withdrawing said tweezers from said nostril.

Abstract: A set of sinus balloon catheters are provided for treating a patient's paranasal sinus system, including dilating prepared openings, and natural ostia and ducts and excising sinus cavities. These include a balloon catheter with a bend placing a distal segment at 90° to a proximal segment and a balloon catheter which is substantially straight. The catheters have sufficient stiffness and column strength that the balloon carrying distal segment of the catheter can be pushed into the prepared opening, natural ostium or duct, or sinus to be excised. The catheters have appropriate inflated working diameters and appropriate outer diameters with the balloon deflated that will enable the catheter to be pushed into the respective prepared opening, natural ostium or duct, or sinus cavity to be excised. The methods use the balloon catheters to dilate prepared openings to selected parts of the sinus system, to dilate natural ostia and ducts of the sinus system, and/or to dilate sinus cavities to remove them.

Abstract: A device for maintaining a patent paranasal sinus ostium includes a tubular element having a proximal end, a distal end, and a center region between the proximal end and distal end. The tubular element has an insertion state and a deployment state. The tubular element is locatable in the sinus ostium when in the insertion state and expandable from the insertion state to the deployment state when located in the sinus ostium. In the deployment state, the center region confronts the sinus ostium with an outward radial force.

Abstract: The nosebleed treatment apparatus features a pair of pliable mirror image nose pads comprising a first nose pad and a second nose pad. A gel pack is disposed within each nose pad. Each gel pack has a first side spaced apart from a second side. The first side is adjacent to an inner surface of the medial pad section. The second side is disposed within the lateral pad section. A smooth shouldered reinforcement member is disposed atop each nose pad. A U-shaped oblong tensing member connects the first nose pad to the second nose pad at each reinforcement member. The apparatus can be placed in a freezer or cooler for extended cool retention within the gel packs when removed. Upon removal, the apparatus is placed on a bleeding nose and remains until removed, so that a patient need not hold it in place.

Abstract: A device comprising a plate with attached suture including a portal and possibly including a fastener for the suture which can be used to dynamically reposition nasal cartilage to repair upper lateral cartilage, to splint septal cartilage, or to aid in scar inhibition in wound closure.

Abstract: A device for nasal insertion may include an open-ended tubular element. The tubular element may extend along a central tube axis between a first end and a second end, the first end being larger than the second end. The tubular element may define at least one groove along a lateral wall of the tubular element.

Abstract: An internal nasal prosthesis of unitary construction. The prosthesis has three distinct segments, an arched medial segment and two lateral appendages on each end of the medial segment. Each appendage of this prosthesis is the mirror image of the other and is inclined at a compound angle, relative to said arched medial segment, so that each of said appendage is inclined, at an angle, into the plane of the page, of at least about 30 degrees, and at an angle, relative to the horizontal plane of the medial section, of about 90 degrees.

Abstract: An inflatable nasopharyngeal stent is disclosed along with a method of using same. The stent comprises a central tube having a lumen defining a central inner chamber. A plurality of inflatable spokes are disposed along the central tube. The spokes are in fluid communication with the inner chamber of the central tube and are preferably aligned in groupings along the central tube. The outer ends of the spokes connect to a rib. The un-inflated stent is inserted into the nasal passageway through a naris and positioned such that so that a portion of the device is proximal to an anatomic structure exhibiting undesirable inflammation, configuration, growth or motility. Once positioned, the stent is inflated. Upon inflation, the ribs and adjoining web members move outwardly from the central tube and press upon the tissues of the nasopharyngeal cavity. Spaces between the inflatable spokes permit the passage of air along the stent and maintain airway patency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an internal nose-dilating device, comprising two conical inserts, which each have four walls and two openings: a small opening, which during use is oriented inwards towards the nasal cavity, and a large opening, which is oriented out from the nose, the inserts being connected by means of a connecting member, which during use is the only part that remains on the outside of the nose. The four walls of the inserts are convex at their central portions and provided with a substantially horizontal recess, the recess being arranged along the four walls of the inserts and extending at least partly along the circumference on the outside thereof to form a bulge in the four walls of the inserts. The inserts have at least four apertures and a reinforced portion, which is provided along a rounded edge of the small opening, thereby allowing the inserts to be turned inside out.

Abstract: Sinusitis and other disorders of the ear, nose and throat are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches with flexible or rigid instruments. Various methods and devices are used for remodeling or changing the shape, size or configuration of a sinus ostium or duct or other anatomical structure in the ear, nose or throat; implanting a device, cells or tissues; removing matter from the ear, nose or throat; delivering diagnostic or therapeutic substances or performing other diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Introducing devices (e.g., guide catheters, tubes, guidewires, elongate probes, other elongate members) may be used to facilitate insertion of working devices (e.g. catheters e.g. balloon catheters, guidewires, tissue cutting or remodeling devices, devices for implanting elements like stents, electrosurgical devices, energy emitting devices, devices for delivering diagnostic or therapeutic agents, substance delivery implants, scopes etc.

Abstract: A mechanical nasal dilator includes a frame provided with support plates (6,6?) at its ends, the frame including a central extranasal portion (1) and two intranasal portions (2,2?), wherein the extranasal portion (2) of the frame is globally U-shaped, whereof the central portion is elastic and spaces apart the nose wings by spring effect, the end of each of the branches of the U being itself U-shaped whereof one branch forms one part of the extranasal portion of the frame and the other branch, located between the branches of the extranasal portion of the frame, forms the intranasal portions (2,2?).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device and method for facilitating air flow in the nasal passage of a domestic animal. The nasal support device (NSD) disclosed herein is useful for facilitating air flow during rest, physical exertion, respiratory ailment, etc. The NSD secures to the nose of a domestic animal to support the unsupported lateral vestibular walls of the nasal passages by lifting or stenting.

Abstract: A nasal dilator adapted to stretch facial skin, including a resilient layer and attachment means. The resilient layer has an equilibrium configuration and a plurality of nonequilibrium configurations. Portions of the resilient layer are disposed upon a plurality of points upon the facial skin. The facial skin may be stretched by attaching the nasal dilator in a nonequilibrium configuration to the facial skin by the attachment means and allowing the nasal dilator to stretch the facial skin as the resilient layer moves towards the equilibrium.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present application relates to a system including a nasal splint and an insert. The nasal splint has an airway tube and the insert includes an elongated tube for insertion into the airway tube of the nasal splint. The elongated tube of the insert is configured to collect an obstruction of human material while installed in the airway tube and to remove the obstruction when the insert is removed from the airway tube.

Abstract: A kit for packing and supporting the nasal cavities after surgical procedures performed on the nose having two inflatable non-elastomeric balloons (6?, 6?) and inflation port arrangement (27) arranged so that, in use, each balloon (6?, 6?) can be located in a nasal cavity and inflated.

Abstract: Provided is a septal splint to promote healing and alignment of a user's septum, and a method thereof. The septal splint includes an alignment member including a plurality of bilateral support pads to contact left and right sides of the user's septum, and a plurality of medializing support floor pads to rest on a bottom portion of each of the user's nasal passages. The septal splint also includes a pressing member, including a plurality of pressure applicators to transfer a predetermined amount of pressure to the bilateral support pads such that an alignment of the user's septum, maxillary crest, and fibrous tissue therebetween, is maintained, and a fulcrum end to supply the predetermined pressure to the plurality of pressure applicators. The septal splint promotes healing and alignment of a user's septum by providing moderate pressure at a junction point of the patient's maxillary crest, septum base, and fibrous tissue therebetween.

Abstract: A nasal dilator is provided that can be used primarily for exercise and secondarily rest and sleep. It may be designed as a resilient bridge between two arms that enter the nostril and then expand the nostril outward and upward. In one embodiment the dilator is flexible and the feet are brought together when inserted into the nose and when released they try to return outward and press against the nasal wall thus opening the nostrils. The feet may have an offset from the arm to deeper engage the nostril which helps to prevent the dilator from slipping off. Also the inside face of the feet and arm that run parallel to the septum wall may be generally flat to prevent irritation to the septum wall if pressed up against the septum wall. The easy to use and reusable nasal dilator can be used by athletes to better their performance through the improved utilization and flow of air through the nose.

Abstract: An internal nasal dilator and compound delivery apparatus preferably includes a U-shaped clip having septum engaging pads, and first and second nostril expanders, wherein the pads engage the septum along planar surfaces, each of the expanders include a conforming outer-nostril wall engaging element and a flexible arm interconnecting the engaging element and clip, and at least a portion of the dilator is formed of a porous material, such as an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, configured to retain and discharge over a period a quantity of compound.

Abstract: A nasal dilator that includes an upper resilient member for dilating the nasal valve and a lower resilient member for dilating the nostrils. The upper resilient member and lower resilient member may be attached to one another by a flexible substrate having a middle portion that is narrower in length than the upper or lower resilient members. The nasal dilator also may have adhesive tabs extending downwardly from the lower portion of the substrate on either side of the nose and towards the nostril entry, for temporary attachment to the side of the nasal vestibule to reduce nostril collapse. The nasal dilator also may include bendable or configurable hooks extending downwardly from the lower portion of the substrate and towards the nostril entrance for insertion into the nostril to reduce nostril collapse.

Abstract: A balloon dilation catheter includes a substantially rigid inner guide member and a movable shaft coupled to a balloon that is slidably mounted on the substantially rigid inner guide member. To treat a sinus cavity of a subject using the balloon dilation the substantially rigid inner guide member is advanced into a drainage pathway of the sinus (e.g., frontal recess) of the subject via a nasal passageway. The shaft and balloon are advanced in a distal direction over the substantially rigid inner guide member to place the balloon in the drainage pathway. The balloon is inflated to expand or otherwise remodel the drainage pathway.

Abstract: Methods and devices for rhinoplasty and treating nasal valve stenosis are disclosed herein. The nasal valve acts as a flow-limiter and can contribute to airway obstruction if resistance within the nasal valve is excessive. In one embodiment, a system for treating nasal valve stenosis includes a first elongate implant and a second elongate implant configured to support the nasal valves when implanted. The implants can be coupled together by connecting elements, such as eyelets, tethers, complementary socket joints, and button-rivet supports.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus ad methods for correcting nasal valve collapse comprising a device configured for suspending a nasal valve, the device comprising a body portion comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of barbs, wherein the body portion is configured to be inserted through or underneath the upper lateral cartilage of a patient and wherein the plurality of barbs are configured to engage a soft tissue overlying a bony tissue proximal to the upper lateral cartilage, and a head portion coupled to the proximal end of the body portion wherein the head portion is configured to engage the upper lateral cartilage of the patient when the plurality of barbs are engaged with the soft tissue overlying the bony tissue proximal to the upper lateral cartilage

Abstract: Described here are paranasal sinus devices for treating paranasal sinus conditions. The devices include a cavity member, ostial member, and nasal portion. One or more of the cavity member, ostial member, and nasal portion may deliver an active agent for sustained release to treat the paranasal sinus condition. Exemplary paranasal sinus conditions are sinus inflammation due to functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and rhinosinusitis.

Abstract: An arterial tamponade device is expandable between a collapsed condition and an expanded position and has opposite ends, with an enlarged pad at one or both ends. The device is inserted into a body cavity in its collapsed condition and is released at a predetermined location so that opposite ends of the device are biased away from one another and apply pressure to opposite wall regions of the body cavity before the device is fully expanded, with a pad at one end positioned to apply pressure to a predetermined tissue area which includes a blood vessel so as to occlude or partially occlude the vessel and reduce or cut off blood flow to the body cavity. The pad may have a bulbous projection configured to engage a depression of a body cavity wall region in which a blood vessel is located.

Abstract: A device for maintaining a patent paranasal sinus ostium includes a tubular element having a first end, a second end, and a center region between the proximal end and distal end. The tubular element has an insertion state and a deployment state. The tubular element is locatable in the sinus ostium when in the insertion state and expandable from the insertion state to the deployment state when located in the sinus ostium. In the deployment state, the center region confronts the sinus ostium with an outward radial force.

Abstract: Described here are expandable devices and methods for using them. The devices generally comprise a hub and a plurality of legs extending therefrom. In some variations, the hub may comprise one or more domed portions, tapered portions, or the like. The legs may comprise one or more straight segments, one or more curved segments, or a combination thereof. The devices may comprise one or more polymers, and/or one or more portions of the device may be configured to biodegrade. In other variations, the device may be configured to release one or more drugs therefrom. Additionally, in some variations the devices may be configured to be self-expandable from a low-profile configuration to an expanded configuration.

Abstract: An internal nasal dilator and compound delivery apparatus including a holding element and first and second nostril expanders each consisting essentially of a flexible, preferably continuous, and tubular member, wherein at least a portion of the element and expanders are formed of a structural core and compliant outer layer, and/or the apparatus includes a plurality of distending protrusions configured to discharge a quantity of compound over a period.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating the tongue, and more particularly for temporarily suspending the tongue. One embodiment of the device comprises an elongate member with a retractable distal tissue-engaging tip that is movable within the lumen of tubular member configured for insertion into the tongue, preferably from an inferior surface of the jaw. The device may be used diagnostically assess the effect of performing tongue suspension in a patient prior to permanent implantation of a glossopexy device. The retractable distal tissue-engaging tip may be removed after diagnostic assessment, or left in place and attached to a temporary external securing device.