Minimally-invasive tools and methods for accessing the middle and inner ear through the tympanic membrane

A system for treating an inner ear of a patient, the system comprising:

• one or more stabilizer devices configured to be removably implanted in a tympanic membrane of the patient, the stabilizer device defining a working channel therethrough and comprising:
• a proximal end portion configured to abut against an external surface of the tympanic membrane while the stabilizer device is implanted in the tympanic membrane;
• a distal end portion configured to pass through the tympanic membrane such that the distal end portion is positioned within a middle ear of the patient while the stabilizer device is implanted in the tympanic membrane, the distal end portion tapering distally from a first outer diameter to a second outer diameter that is smaller than the first outer diameter;
• and
• a transmembrane region positioned between the proximal and distal end portions and configured to receive the tympanic membrane while the stabilizer device is implanted in the tympanic membrane;
• a stabilizer insertion tool comprising:
• a delivery shaft;
• and
• a stylet sized to be inserted through the working channel while the stabilizer device is mounted on the stabilizer insertion tool, the stylet including a beveled distal end that extends distally beyond the distal end portion of the stabilizer device while the stabilizer is mounted on the stabilizer device insertion tool;
• and
• a medical imaging instrument insertable through the working channel of the stabilizer device after removal stabilizer insertion tool to provide direct visualization within the middle ear, the medical imaging instrument comprising an endoscope or video visualization device.