A61B2017/246

ANTI-REFLUX NASAL ASPIRATOR
20200306425 · 2020-10-01 ·

Disclosed are various embodiments for an anti-reflux nasal aspirator that includes a nozzle comprising a nozzle outlet, a bulb configured to provide suction at the nozzle outlet in response to a squeezing force applied to the bulb, an anti-reflux coupler positioned between the bulb and the nozzle through which air passes from the bulb to the nozzle, and a one-way air valve positioned in an aperture located at a base of the bulb. The anti-reflux coupler may include a check valve configured to prevent reflux of debris into the bulb. The check valve may include one of an umbrella valve; a duckbill valve; a slit-cutting valve; and a flapper valve.

Apparatus and method for registering facial landmarks for surgical navigation system

An array of sensors may be used to perform touchless registration of landmarks of a patient's face before an ENT procedure in order to associate those landmarks with pre-operative images in three-dimensional space, which is required for image guided surgery features such as navigation. Touchless or light-touch registration may improve accuracy by avoiding the need for substantial pressing against a patient's skin, which may deform and thereby introduce erroneous registration data. A sensor may also be implemented in forms other than an array such as handheld probe having a single sensor as opposed to an array.

System and method for navigation of surgical instruments
10779891 · 2020-09-22 · ·

An apparatus includes a navigational guidewire and a connector assembly. The navigational guidewire includes a sensing element, an outer member, and a conductor. The sensing element is configured to respond to positioning within an electromagnetic field. The conductor is in communication with the sensing element. The connector assembly is configured to couple the navigational guidewire with a navigation system. The connector assembly includes a body and a ferrule. The ferrule is coupled with the body. The navigational guidewire is coupled with the ferrule. The ferrule is rotatable relative to the body to thereby enable rotation of the navigational guidewire relative to the body.

PORTABLE WIRELESS ENDOSCOPE

One embodiment provides a device, method, and wireless endoscope. The wireless endoscope includes a light integrated in a first portion. The wireless endoscope also includes a lens positioned proximate the light in the first portion. The light and the lens are inserted into a body. The first portion is interchangeable. The wireless endoscope also includes a connector physically securing the first portion to the second portion. The second portion is not inserted into the body. The wireless endoscope also includes a camera capturing video content received through the lens. The wireless endoscope also includes a wireless transmitter transmits the video content to a receiver associated with a displaying device.

Methods and devices for facilitating visualization in a surgical environment

Devices and methods for visually confirming the positioning of a distal end portion of an illuminating device placed within a patient include inserting a distal end portion of an illuminating device internally into a patient, emitting light from the distal end portion of the illuminating device, observing transillumination resulting from the light emitted from the distal end portion of the illuminating device that occurs on an external surface of the patient, and correlating the location of the observed transillumination on the external surface of the patient with an internal location of the patient that underlies the location of observed transillumination, to confirm positioning of the distal end portion of the illuminating device.

SINUS DILATION
20200222675 · 2020-07-16 · ·

A sinus dilation instrument including a handle, an inner member, a balloon and an outer member. The inner member defines a proximal portion opposite a distal portion. The proximal portion is coupled to the handle. The distal portion terminates at a distal end opposite the handle. The balloon fixedly is coupled to an exterior of the inner member along the distal portion. The outer member is slidably disposed over the inner member, and includes a first section and a second section. The second section is more rigid than the first section. The first section terminates at a terminal end opposite the second section. The outer member is transitionable relative to the inner member between an advanced position and a retracted position, the advanced position including the balloon disposed within the first section and the retracted position including the balloon located distal the terminal end.

Wireless viewing system and method

One embodiment provides a device, method, and wireless viewing system. The wireless viewing system includes a light emitter integrated in a first portion. The wireless viewing system also includes a lens positioned proximate the light emitter in the first portion. The light emitter and the lens are inserted into a body. The first portion is interchangeable. The wireless viewing system further includes a connector physically securing the first portion to the second portion. The second portion is not inserted into the body. The wireless viewing system further includes a camera capturing video content received through the lens. The wireless viewing system further includes a wireless transmitter transmits the video content to a receiver associated with a displaying device.

NASAL SUCTION INSTRUMENT WITH INTERCHANGEABLE TIP INSERT
20200178993 · 2020-06-11 ·

A suction instrument includes a proximal end, a distal end configured to be positioned within or adjacent to an anatomical passageway of a patient, and a suction lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The suction lumen is configured to provide suction at the distal end. A navigation sensor is disposed along a portion of the suction lumen and is operable to generate an electrical signal corresponding to a location of the portion within the patient. A coupling feature is disposed at the proximal end and is configured to releasably couple the proximal end with a body.

DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS USEABLE FOR TREATING SINUSITIS

Sinusitis and other disorders of the ear, nose and throat are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches with flexible or rigid instruments. Various methods and devices are used for remodeling or changing the shape, size or configuration of a sinus ostium or duct or other anatomical structure in the ear, nose or throat; implanting a device, cells or tissues; removing matter from the ear, nose or throat; delivering diagnostic or therapeutic W substances or performing other diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Introducing devices (e.g., guide catheters, tubes, guidewires, elongate probes, other elongate members) may be used to facilitate insertion of working devices (e.g. catheters e.g. balloon catheters, guidewires. tissue cutting or remodeling devices, devices for implanting elements like stents, electrosurgical devices, energy emitting devices, devices for delivering diagnostic or therapeutic agents, substance delivery implants. scopes etc.) into the paranasal sinuses or other structures in the ear, nose or throat. Specific devices (e.g., tubular guides, guidewires, balloon catheters, tubular sheaths) are provided as are methods for manufacturing and using such devices to treat disorders of the ear, nose or throat.