Nasal suction apparatus

A method of providing suction during a surgical procedure, the method comprising:

• inserting a distal end of a catheter into a nasopharynx region of a patient;
• and
• applying suction to the catheter through a flexible tube connected to a proximal end of the catheter,
• wherein the catheter comprises:
• first and second lumens extending from the proximal end to a distal end of the catheter in parallel to one another, the first and second lumens being separated by an inner partition, wherein a plurality of suction holes is positioned in the distal end of the catheter, the plurality of suction holes being arranged on opposite sides of the catheter in an alternating, staggered relationship;
• a cuff for retaining said catheter in a sinonasal tract of a patient;
• and
• a porous fabric cover placed over the plurality of suction holes, the cover preventing obstruction of the plurality of suction holes by solid debris and allowing suction of air and liquid,
• wherein prior to reaching the nasopharynx region, the catheter is inserted through a nasal vestibule of the patient,
• wherein said cuff is a balloon,
• wherein said balloon is in connection with another flexible tube, a pilot balloon, and a pressure relief valve, and
• wherein said porous fabric cover further includes a lumen sewn into said porous fabric cover and running along the length of said catheter such that said another flexible tube is connected to said porous fabric cover by being positioned in said lumen.

A nasal suction apparatus, comprising:

• a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, the catheter being closed at a distal end face and comprising first and second lumens extending parallel to one another from the proximal end to the distal end, the first and second lumens being divided by an inner partition contacting said distal end face, wherein a plurality of suction holes is formed in the distal end of said catheter, the plurality of suction holes being arranged on opposite sides of the catheter in an alternating, staggered relationship;
• a flexible tube attached to the catheter at the proximal end thereof, the flexible tube configured to be in connection with a source of suction;
• a cuff for retaining said catheter in a sinonasal tract of a patient;
• and
• a porous fabric cover placed over said plurality of suction holes, the fabric cover preventing obstruction of the plurality of suction holes by solid debris while allowing suction of air and liquid,
• wherein the catheter is configured for insertion through a nasal vestibule of a patient,
• wherein said cuff is a balloon, and
• wherein said porous fabric cover further includes a lumen sewn into said porous fabric cover and running along the length of said catheter such that another flexible tube is connected to said porous fabric cover by being positioned in said lumen.