A tympanostomy tube placement device has a needle with a tip, and a retainer at the needle tip. The retainer is within and retains by pulling radially inwardly a tympanostomy tube distal flange in a folded configuration extending distally. Movement of the needle tip in the proximal direction causes the adhesive bond to break and the distal flange releases to an unconstrained deployed position. Due to the axial folding of the distal flange its radial dimension does not affect deployment through the membrane.

A tympanic membrane prosthesis includes a tubular body having a lumen extending therethrough and open at each of a proximal and distal end. The tubular body forms a structurally self-supporting, body compatible, and body absorbable device. The device is formed of a composite structure that includes an inner portion having an inside surface and an outer portion having an outside surface. The inside surface forms at least a portion of the lumen extending through the tubular body. The inside surface is adapted to provide less resistance to fluid flow than the outside surface. The outside surface is adapted to produce an inflammatory reaction in adjacent tissue at a tympanic membrane. The device is adapted for insertion into an opening through the tympanic membrane for placement with the proximal end and the distal end disposed on opposite sides of the tympanic membrane.

An eustachian tube (ET) drug eluting stent includes a plurality of longitudinal spars with spring-like elements between each of the plurality of longitudinal spars, creating smooth arcs between each of the plurality of longitudinal spars while minimizing impediment of mucociliary flow. The combination of the plurality of longitudinal spars with spring-like elements are configured to enter into the ET uncompressed.

Presented herein are dual-function surgical tools for insertion of implantable stimulating assemblies, such as intra-cochlear stimulating assemblies. In addition to facilitating intra-operative positioning of a stimulating assembly within a recipient (e.g., operating to guide the stimulating assembly of an implantable medical device into position), the surgical tool also includes a plurality of electrodes configured to apply an electroporation electrical field to a recipient's nerve cells to enable introduction of treatment substance into the nerve cells.

Provided is an otitis media treatment instrument and, more particularly, to an otitis media treatment instrument having a ventilation tube installed thereon, the otitis media treatment instrument including: a cutting sheath which is configured in a tube shape, and which has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the ventilation tube; and a suction pipe formed to be able to move relative to the cutting sheath inside the cutting sheath along the longitudinal direction of the cutting sheath, the suction pipe having, on the front end portion thereof, an insertion portion having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the ventilation tube and having a fixing portion which extends toward the front end of the insertion portion, and which has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the ventilation tube.

An implant that may maintain position with a Eustachian tube of a patient, the implant includes an engagement body, an anchoring assembly, and a pressure balance assembly. The engagement body includes an exterior surface dimensioned to bear radially outward against the Eustachian tube. The anchoring assembly may lock the implant in the Eustachian tube. The pressure balance assembly includes a vented pathway that may transition between an occluded state and a vented state. The vented pathway may provide fluid communication between the proximal end and the distal end of the implant in the ventilated state while inhibiting fluid communication between the proximal end and the distal end of the implant in the occluded state.

The technology involves scaffold structures used for in-ear sensor systems. Such systems that can perform biometric signal detection or act as a human-computer interface. Scaffolding arrangements minimize the amount of material placed in the ear while providing a secure fitting device that can be worn for hours, days or longer in order to provide maximal benefit to the wearer. The scaffolding includes a “C”-shaped arcuate curvature for at least part of the housing. This configuration can act as a natural leaf spring to help maintain the housing in contact with different points along the ear. Sensors are located along various points of the scaffolding for use in different diagnostic situations. Different components of an on-board sensor input and processing system can be distributed along different parts of the scaffolding. Such structures beneficially minimize ambient sound occlusion and avoid the need of an exterior strap or clip worn around the ear.

The technology involves scaffold structures used for in-ear sensor systems. Such systems that can perform biometric signal detection or act as a human-computer interface. Scaffolding arrangements minimize the amount of material placed in the ear while providing a secure fitting device that can be worn for hours, days or longer in order to provide maximal benefit to the wearer. The scaffolding includes a “C”-shaped arcuate curvature for at least part of the housing. This configuration can act as a natural leaf spring to help maintain the housing in contact with different points along the ear. Sensors are located along various points of the scaffolding for use in different diagnostic situations. Different components of an on-board sensor input and processing system can be distributed along different parts of the scaffolding. Such structures beneficially minimize ambient sound occlusion and avoid the need of an exterior strap or clip worn around the ear.

Fluid injection device for injecting a fluid behind a tympanic membrane of a patient, comprising: a hollow needle having a needle tip with a fluid outlet at a distal end thereof, the needle tip being configured for piercing the tympanic membrane of the patient; a container for storing the fluid to be injected behind the tympanic membrane, the container being arranged in fluid communication with the hollow needle; characterised, in that the hollow needle comprises an elongated venting aperture in an outer wall thereof, the elongated venting aperture being positionable at an inner side of an ear membrane of the patient as well as at an outer ide of said ear membrane when injecting fluid, so as to allow excess fluid on the inner side of said membrane to flow through the elongated venting aperture, to the outer side of said membrane.

Ear implants for auricular tissue reconstruction in a patient are provided. The ear implant may be a tissue scaffold multicomponent assembly for reconstruction of auricular tissue. Thus, the assembly may include both a first and a second tissue scaffold component. Each comprises a biocompatible polymeric material having a plurality of open pores configured to support cell growth. The first tissue scaffold component defines a central void region and at least a portion of an outer ear framework of the patient after implantation. The second tissue scaffold component defines a base portion. After implantation into the patient, the second tissue scaffold component seats within the central void region of the first tissue scaffold component, so that the second tissue scaffold component is secured to the first tissue scaffold component. Methods for reconstructing auricular tissue in a patient using such ear implant tissue scaffolds are also provided.