EAR CATHETER

Abstract

The invention relates to a non-invasive ear catheter (1) for introduction into the eustachian tube, comprising a catheter tube (2), an expandable balloon (3) for the occlusion of the eustachian tube, and an injection channel (5) for introducing medication into the middle ear region.

Claims

1. Non-invasive ear catheter for introduction into the eustachian tube, comprising a catheter tube (2), an expandable balloon (3) for the occlusion of the eustachian tube, and an injection channel (5) for introducing medication into the middle ear region.

2. Ear catheter according to claim 1, characterized in that the injection channel (5) extends inside the catheter.

3. Ear catheter according to claim 1, characterized in that the expandable balloon (3) is designed as a low-pressure cuff.

4. Ear catheter according to claim 1, characterized by a pressure limiter for a maximum pressure of 1 bar.

5. Ear catheter according to claim 1, characterized in that the injection channel (5) is provided with a Luer lock connection (6) for a syringe containing injection material.

6. Ear catheter according to claim 1, characterized in that the catheter tube (2) is provided with a Luer lock connection (4) for a liquid medium for the expansion of the balloon (3).

7. Ear catheter according to claim 6, characterized in that the liquid for expanding the balloon (3) is a physiological NaCl solution.

8. Ear catheter according to claim 1, characterized in that the injection channel (5) ends distally from the balloon (3).

9. Ear catheter according to claim 1, characterized in that the injection channel (5) is provided with an outlet opening (6) that is of atraumatic design.

10. Ear catheter according to claim 9, characterized in that the outlet opening (6) is of self-closing design.

11. Ear catheter according to claim 1, characterized by a handling aid (8).

12. Ear catheter according to claim 11, characterized in that the handling aid (8) is a plastic sleeve frictionally mounted on the catheter tube.

13. Ear catheter according to claim 1 to be employed for the non-invasive application of medication into the middle ear of a patient.

14. Ear catheter according to claim 13, characterized in that it is suitable for retaining the medication in the middle ear for several days.

Description

[0019] The invention is explained in more detail by way of the enclosed FIGURE.

[0020] The inventive ear catheter 1 according to FIG. 1 consists of a catheter tube 2, which ends distally in an expandable balloon 3 (cuff). On the proximal end, there is a Luer lock connection 4 for a conventional syringe, by means of which physiological saline solution can be introduced with a view to expanding balloon 3. An interposed pressure gauge (not shown) serves to monitor the pressure and limits it to 1 bar.

[0021] An injection tube 5 extends through the center of the catheter, said tube also being provided with a luer lock connection 6, via which a medication solution can be injected using a syringe. The injection channel 5 terminates in an atraumatically designed outlet opening or tip 7, which opens under the pressure of the injection fluid and closes automatically after injection has been completed.

[0022] The ear catheter t has a total length of about 15 cm; the diameter of the catheter tube 2 amounts to 3 mm and the injection tube diameter is about 1 mm.

[0023] A sleeve 8, which is frictionally mounted on the catheter, serves as a maneuvering and handling aid. The sleeve is preferably made of plastic material and is appropriately slotted so that it can be fitted or removed.

[0024] In the treatment of a case of acute hearing loss, after the catheter has been appropriately positioned, and by using, for example, a 2 ml syringe, a cortisone solution is filled into the middle ear and left there for the required time. Riling of the middle ear Is monitored by ear microscopy. The procedure is preferably performed under local anesthesia, but in special cases a general anesthetic may be advisable. After the medication has been administered, the proximal part of the application catheter is stuck to the cheek with a patch. The pressure is released from the injection channel. The catheter balloon remains in place in the eustachian tube and prevents the Injected solution from draining away. At the end of the treatment, the pressure is released from the balloon and the catheter is withdrawn.