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US 10,864,035 B2Granted
Eustachian tube modification
AssigneeAerin Medical Inc.
InventorsJerome Hester, Andrew Frazier, Gregory Ng, Scott J. Wolf
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Disclosed embodiments relate to devices, systems, and methods of shaping, shrinking, opening, dilating, stiffening, or otherwise modifying a Eustachian tube and its surrounding tissue in order to improve the Eustachian tube's function. For example, patients with blocked, closed, or hypertrophic Eustachian tubes may be able to achieve improved function including easier equalization of pressure between the inner ear and environment.
Claims6
A device for modifying a Eustachian tube, the device comprising:
- a shaft comprising a proximal end and a distal end and defining a longitudinal axis;
- a handle attached to the proximal end of the shaft;
- a treatment element extending at an angle from the distal end of the shaft, relative to the longitudinal axis, the treatment element comprising;
- a flat tissue treatment surface having an arcuate shape with an arc angle and comprising;
- an inner edge having a first radius of curvature;
- and
- an outer edge having a second radius of curvature that is larger than the first radius of curvature;
- and
- a first arcuate row of electrodes disposed on the flat tissue treatment surface closer to the inner edge than the outer edge, such that the first arcuate row of electrodes faces an ostium of the Eustachian tube when positioned for treatment;
- a second arcuate row of electrodes disposed on the flat tissue treatment surface closer to the outer edge than the inner edge, wherein the second arcuate row of electrodes is parallel with the first arcuate row of electrodes;
- and
- a thermocouple disposed between the first arcuate row of electrodes and the second arcuate row of electrodes.
9 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.