Delivery system for implanting nasal ventilation tube

#The present invention relates, in general, to functional endoscopic techniques and, more particularly, to apparatuses, systems and methods for ventilating the paranasal sinuses.

#There has been resurgence of interest among otolaryngologists in the morphological features of the lateral wall of the nasal cavity with the advent of endonasal endoscopic sinus surgery. Functional endoscopic techniques, being minimally traumatic, have become increasingly popular in diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of nasal and sinus problems.

#The area termed the “ostiomeatal complex” of the middle meatus has not only the primary maxillary ostia (“PMO”) opening in the hiatus semilunaris (“HS”) but also often includes, other “holes” or accessory maxillary ostium (AMO). It has been estimated that anywhere between 5-30% of the normal population has an AMO located in the maxillary fontanelle (anterior or posterior).

#FIG. 1 of the drawings is a sectional view of a human skull showing, in particular, the lateral nasal wall and the orientation of the introducer and ventilation tube.

#FIG. 2A of the drawings is an enlarged view of a portion of the antrum, or maxillary sinus showing, in particular, the creation of an AMO using the introducer, and the placement of the ventilation tube through the AMO.

#FIG. 2B of the drawings is an enlarged view of the antrum showing, in particular, another exemplary ventilation tube.

#The following detailed description and the appended drawings are provided to describe and illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention for the purpose of enabling one of ordinary skill in the relevant art to make and use the invention. The description and drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the invention or its protection in any manner.

#Throughout the specification, the terms “proximal” and “distal” are used to describe opposing axial ends of the particular elements or features being described. In addition, the term “device” refers to any device, object, apparatus, or structure, that supports, repairs, or replaces, a part of the body or a function thereof, or is configured to do the same, alone or in combination with other devices or elements.

#A nasal ventilation system 10 is shown in FIG. 1 as comprising ventilation tube 20 and elongated introducer 30, suitable for creating an AMO within lateral nasal wall 70 (shown with the middle turbinate and uncinate removed to allow visualization of the natural ostium), proximate maxillary ostium 71, maxillary fontanelle 72, and/or inferior turbinate 73. Furthermore, the nasal ventilation system 10, ventilation tube 20, and elongated introducer 30 are suitable for creating an AMO in other targeted tissues, such as walls of the ethmoid, sphenoid and other paranasal sinuses. A distal tip of introducer 30 is insertable through a central channel of ventilation tube 20, is releasably attachable to ventilation tube 20, and includes a sharp, removable cutting obturator at the distal tip. The cutting obturator can be, however, integrated with, or fixedly attached to, the introducer.