System, apparatus, and method for facilitating interface with laryngeal structures
AssigneeMED-EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbH
InventorsWerner Lindenthaler, Gerhard Förster, Andreas Müller, Rudolf Hagen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems and methods of positioning interface elements for interfacing with laryngeal structures of a subject such as for diagnosis or treatment of a laryngeal impairment. Illustratively, a needle is positioned in geographical relation to the lateral wing of a vocal cord cartilage and at least one interface element positioned via the needle.
Claims10
A minimally invasive method of introducing an electrode to electrically stimulate one or both vocal cords of a subject, the method comprising:
- inserting a hollow needle from outside of the subject's body into a postcricoidal region cranial to a posterior cricoarytenoid muscle and forming an insertion path downwardly towards a cricothyroid joint of the subject;
- introducing the electrode via the hollow needle;
- and
- positioning the electrode relative to at least one vocal cord muscle of the subject based on the insertion path.
A minimally invasive method of introducing an electrode to electrically stimulate one or both vocal cords of a subject, the method comprising:
- inserting a hollow needle from outside of the subject's body into a postcricoidal region cranial to a posterior cricoarytenoid muscle without exposing muscle or cartilage by surgical dissection and forming an insertion path;
- introducing the electrode via the hollow needle;
- and
- positioning the electrode relative to at least one vocal cord muscle of the subject based on the insertion path.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.