# US 12,004,997 B2 · Gland or duct diagnostic and treatment methods and related apparatus

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 12,004,997 B2
- Document ID: US12004997B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 17/466,063
- Filed: 2021-09-03
- Published: 2021-12-23
- Granted: 2024-06-11
- Earliest claimed: 2007-11-13
- Assignees: MGD Innovations, Inc.
- Applicants: MGD Innovations, Inc.
- Inventors: Steven L. Maskin
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12004997B2

## CPC

- A61F 9/00718: {Restoration of lid function}
- A61B 17/22: Implements for squeezing-off ulcers or the like on inner organs of the body; Implements for scraping-out cavities of body organs, e.g. bones; for invasive removal or destruction of calculus using mechanical vibrations; for removing obstructions in blood vessels, not otherwise provided for
- A61F 9/0008: {Introducing ophthalmic products into the ocular cavity or retaining products therein (putting in contact lenses A61F9/0061; introducing or retaining media in cavities of the body in general A61M31/00)}
- A61M 25/0026: {Multi-lumen catheters with stationary elements (catheter assemblies comprising a catheter in combination with a guide tube, sheath or sleeve A61M2025/0681; catheters comprising telescoping coaxial elements A61M2025/0175)}
- A61M 25/007: {Side holes, e.g. their profiles or arrangements; Provisions to keep side holes unblocked}
- A61M 31/00: Devices for introducing or retaining media, e.g. remedies, in cavities of the body (A61M25/00 takes precedence {; introducing or retaining ophthalmic products into the ocular cavities A61F9/0008})
- A61B 17/32037: {for removing obstructions from inner organs or blood vessels, e.g. for atherectomy}
- A61B 17/3207: Atherectomy devices {working by cutting or abrading; Similar devices specially adapted for non-vascular obstructions (A61B17/32037 takes precedence; endoscopic cutting instruments A61B17/320016)}
- A61B 2017/22079: {with suction of debris}
- A61B 2017/22082: {after introduction of a substance}
- A61B 2090/3987: {Applicators for implanting markers}
- A61B 2217/005: with suction drainage system
- A61B 2217/007: with irrigation system
- A61F 2/95: Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts
- A61F: FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS (dental prosthetics A61C)
- A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D)
- A61M: DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY (introducing media into or onto the bodies of animals A61D7/00; means for inserting tampons A61F13/26; devices for administering food or medicines orally A61J; containers for collecting, storing or administering blood or medical fluids A61J1/05); DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY (surgery A61B; chemical aspects of surgical articles A61L); DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR {(Electrotherapy, e.g. producing anaesthesia by the use of alternating or intermittent currents A61N1/36021)}

## Abstract

A method is provided for treating a gland or duct of a patient. In a particular embodiment, an obstruction in a gland or duct and the orifice thereof can be alleviated; in another, a substance can be injected thereinto; in yet another, the gland can be aspirated. The method includes the step of inserting an elongated probe into a gland or duct via an orifice thereinto. In some embodiments the probe can have a longitudinal lumen therethrough, with at least one distal hole through the probe wall in fluid communication with the lumen. The lumen can be used in concert with a source of suction for removing debris from the gland or duct, and/or with a source of a fluid and pumping means, for injecting a substance into the gland or duct.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A device for treating a gland or duct of a patient comprising:
a probe having an elongated distal end with an outer diameter of approximately 150 μm or less and a length of approximately 6 mm or less; and
a structural support positionable by the device within the gland or duct adjacent a natural orifice thereinto, for assisting the retaining the orifice in an unobstructed condition, the structural support being detachable from the device for retention in the orifice after removal of the probe;
wherein the probe has a longitudinal lumen extending therealong defined by a probe wall and a distal hole through the probe wall in fluid communication with the lumen, the distal hole positioned in the probe distal end.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The device recited in claim 1, wherein the structural support comprises a compressible, substantially toroidal element, and a gripper operable to releasably hold the toroidal element in a compressed condition is extendable from within the longitudinal lumen through the distal hole, a release of the toroidal element from the gripper permitting the toroidal element to expand and assist in holding the orifice open.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The device recited in claim 1, wherein the elongated distal end is stainless steel.

### Claim 4

A device for treating a gland or duct of a patient comprising:
a probe having an elongated distal end with an outer diameter of approximately 150 μm or less and a length of approximately 6 mm or less;
wherein the probe has an obstruction-removing element adjacent the probe distal end adapted for dislodging debris from the gland or duct; and
wherein the obstruction-removing element comprises a router articulated at a distal end, such that, upon inserting the probe distal end, the router is able to be opened and moved in a proximal direction for scraping the gland or duct.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The device recited in claim 4, wherein the elongated distal end is stainless steel.