Myringotomy tool with multiple tool heads
AssigneeGyrus ACMI, Inc.
InventorsSteve Gaynes, Michael O'Connor, Michael DeRossi, Gilberto Cavada, John Morici, Riyad Moe
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A myringotomy device includes a housing; an elongated tube extending from the housing; and a retractable cutting tool extendable through the elongated tube, the cutting tool comprising a blade. The cutting tool is configured such that when advanced, the blade of the cutting tool extends beyond a distal end of the elongated tube. The cutting tool is also configured such that when retracted, the blade is retracted into the elongated tube and a fluid conduit is created from the distal end of the elongated tube to the housing.
Claims18
A method of performing a myringotomy procedure, the method comprising:
- causing a retractable cutting tool to extend through a hollow elongated tube from a retracted position to an extended position relative to the hollow elongated tube, the hollow elongated tube extending from a housing, and the retractable cutting tool comprising a blade, wherein causing the retractable cutting tool to extend through the hollow elongated tube to the extended position seals the hollow elongated tube;
- making an incision in an ear drum using the retractable cutting tool;
- retracting the retractable cutting tool;
- and
- causing an ear tube to be delivered from the hollow elongated tube to the incision.
A method of performing a myringotomy procedure, the method comprising:
- causing a retractable cutting tool to extend through a hollow elongated tube to an extended position relative to the hollow elongated tube, wherein the retractable cutting tool seals the hollow elongated tube in the extended position;
- making an incision in an ear drum using the retractable cutting tool;
- retracting the retractable cutting tool to a retracted position relative to the hollow elongated tube;
- and
- causing an ear tube to be delivered from the hollow elongated tube to the incision.
A method of performing a myringotomy procedure, the method comprising:
- causing a cutting tool to move from a retracted position within a hollow elongated tube to an extended position at least partially outside of the hollow elongated tube;
- making an incision in an ear drum using the cutting tool in the extended position;
- causing the cutting tool to move from the extended position to the retracted position;
- and
- causing an ear tube to be delivered from the hollow elongated tube to the incision;
- wherein the cutting tool seals the hollow elongated tube in the extended position and creates a fluid conduit through the hollow elongated tube in the retracted position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.