Middle Ear Pressure Equalizing Device With Improved Pressure Control
AssigneeMicromedics, Inc.
InventorsJon E. Hoogenakker, James L. Lindenberg
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus for equalizing pressure in a middle ear includes a hand-held air source for providing a continuous flow of air at a predetermined rate and a tapered sealing nostril plug adapted to be sealed against a nostril. The tapered nostril plug has a channel there through for delivering the continuous flow of air. The channel of the tapered plug is adapted to be placed in communication with the air source through an adjustable valve assembly for selecting a pressure limit for the air in the channel of the nostril plug.
Claims15
1-9. (canceled)
In a hand held apparatus for equalizing pressure in the middle ear having an electric powered air source for providing a continuous flow of air through an exit port for positioning into a nostril, the improvement comprising:
- a valve positioned between the air source and the exit port wherein the valve is adjustable to provide the flow of air at a selected pressure to the exit port.
A method for equalizing pressure in a middle ear of a patient comprising:
- inserting a sealing nostril plug having a channel there-through into a first nostril;
- sealing a second nostril;
- providing a continuous flow of air from a hand held air source through the channel at a selected pressure by adjusting a pressure sensitive valve on the device such that air enters the first nostril at the selected pressure;
- and
- causing the patient to swallow during the air providing step until pressure equalization is achieved.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.