SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TREATMENT OF NON-VENTILATING MIDDLE EAR BY PROVIDING A GAS PATHWAY THROUGH THE NASOPHARYNX

Abstract

Methods and devices for providing a gas pathway between the nasopharynx and the Eustachian tube are provided. One device may include a lumen with a valve. A portion of the valve may be tethered to adjacent muscle. Another portion of the valve may be tethered to adjacent cartilage. When the muscle contracts the valve may open through movement of the tethers, and provide a gas pathway between the nasopharynx and the Eustachian tube.

Claims

1-16. (canceled)

17. A method of providing a gas pathway between a Eustachian tube (ET) and a nasopharynx of a patient, comprising: (a) providing an endoluminal implant within the ET such that a first body portion of the endoluminal implant is secured relative to a posterior wall of the ET and a second body portion of the endoluminal implant is secured relative to an anterior wall of the ET; (b) assuming a closed position with the endoluminal implant in which the first body portion confronts the second body portion to thereby inhibit passage of gas through an implant lumen of the endoluminal implant; and (c) in response to movement of tissue in the region of the ET, transitioning to an open position with the endoluminal implant in which the first and second body portions are spaced apart from one another to thereby permit passage of gas through the implant lumen and between the ET and the nasopharynx.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first body portion is anchored to at least one of the tensor villi palatine muscle or the levator villi palatine muscle with a first coupling feature, wherein the second body portion is anchored to cartilage in the region of the ET with a second coupling feature.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the first coupling feature extends through the posterior wall of the ET, wherein the second coupling feature extends through the anterior wall of the ET.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the first coupling feature includes a first tether, wherein the second coupling feature includes a second tether.

21. The method of claim 18, wherein at least one of the first coupling feature or the second coupling feature includes a plurality of tethers.

22. The method of claim 17, wherein the endoluminal implant includes a valve, wherein assuming the closed position with the endoluminal implant includes assuming a closed position with the valve, wherein transitioning to the open position with the endoluminal implant includes assuming an open position with the valve.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the first body portion includes a first valve portion of the valve, wherein the second body portion includes a second valve portion of the valve.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the first and second valve portions sealingly engage one another in the closed position.

25. The method of claim 22, wherein the valve is arranged within the implant lumen.

26. The method of claim 17, further comprising exerting an outwardly directed force on the ET with the endoluminal implant to thereby bias the ET toward an open state.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein exerting an outwardly directed force on the ET with the endoluminal implant includes exerting a resilient bias force on the posterior wall of the ET with the first body portion and simultaneously exerting a resilient bias force on the anterior wall of the ET with the second body portion.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the first and second body portions are resiliently biased relative to one another.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the first and second body portions are coupled together in an elongate clamshell configuration.

30. The method of claim 17, wherein the first body portion is positioned within or behind the posterior wall of the ET, wherein the second body portion is positioned within or behind the anterior wall of the ET.

31. The method of claim 17, further comprising eluting a therapeutic substance from the endoluminal implant.

32. A method of providing a gas pathway between a Eustachian tube (ET) and a nasopharynx of a patient, comprising: (a) providing an endoluminal implant within the ET, wherein the endoluminal implant includes an implant lumen and a valve arranged within the implant lumen; (b) assuming a closed position with the valve to inhibit passage of gas through the implant lumen; and (c) in response to movement of tissue in the region of the ET, transitioning to an open position with the valve to thereby permit passage of gas through the implant lumen and between the ET and the nasopharynx.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein a first valve portion of the valve is anchored relative to a first side of the ET, wherein a second valve portion of the valve is anchored relative to a second side of the ET.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein assuming the closed position with the valve includes sealingly engaging the first valve portion with the second valve portion, wherein assuming the open position with the valve includes disengaging the first valve portion from the second valve portion.

35. A method of providing a gas pathway between a Eustachian tube (ET) and a nasopharynx of a patient, comprising: (a) providing an endoluminal implant within the ET such that a first body portion of the endoluminal implant is positioned within or behind a posterior wall of the ET and a second body portion of the endoluminal implant is positioned within or behind an anterior wall of the ET; and (b) exerting a resilient bias force on the posterior wall with the first body portion and simultaneously exerting a resilient bias force on the anterior wall with the second body portion to thereby urge the ET toward an open state to permit passage of gas between the ET and the nasopharynx.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein the first and second body portions are resiliently biased away from one another.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] FIG. 1 is a cross section of a human ear showing the inner, middle and outer ear portions and the Eustachian tube connecting the middle ear with the nasopharynx region of the throat via a distal opening thereof.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a cross section of a human head showing the nasopharynx region of the throat illustrated in FIG. 1 containing the distal opening of the Eustachian tube illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a cross section of a human ear in the orientation shown in FIG. 1 showing a prior art surgical method for relieving fluid in the middle ear in which a ventilation tube is placed within an incision in the eardrum.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a cross section of a human ear in the orientation shown in FIG. 1 showing a prior art surgical method for relieving fluid in the middle ear in which a syringe is shown having a needle perforating the eardrum.

[0036] FIGS. 5-6 show a cross section of a human head in the orientation shown in FIG. 2 showing a prior art politzeration method for relieving fluid in the middle ear in which a syringe is shown having a flexible tip extending into the nose and/or throat area so that the tip abuts the distal opening of the Eustachian tube while the nose is plugged.

[0037] FIG. 7 shows a cross sectional view of a human head showing the nasopharynx region and a guide catheter in the nasal passage where the distal tip of the guide catheter is adjacent the Eustachian tube opening.

[0038] FIG. 8 shows a section of the anatomical region around a Eustachian tube (ET).

[0039] FIG. 9A shows a perspective view of a device for treating a disorder of a Eustachian tube, according to one aspect of the invention.

[0040] FIGS. 9B and 9C show cross-sectional views of the device of FIG. 9A.

[0041] FIGS. 10A and 10B shows perspective views of an anchoring member 912, according to one aspect of the invention.

[0042] FIGS. 11A-11C shows cross-sectional views of a device being positioned within or along a Eustachian tube, according to one aspect of the invention.

[0043] FIG. 11D shows a perspective view of a portion of a treated Eustachian tube, according to one aspect of the invention.

[0044] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a portion of a treated Eustachian tube, according to one aspect of the invention.

[0045] FIGS. 13A and 13B shows perspective and side views, respectively, or a device for treating a disorder of a Eustachian tube, according to one aspect of the invention.

[0046] FIG. 13C shows a perspective view of a portion of a treated Eustachian tube, according to one aspect of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] The embodiments of the present invention are directed toward methods and systems for accessing, diagnosing and treating target tissue regions within the middle ear and the Eustachian tube.

[0048] Access

[0049] One embodiment of the present invention is directed toward using minimally invasive techniques to gain trans-Eustachian tube access to the middle ear. A middle ear space may be accessed via a Eustachian tube (ET). To obtain this access to the Eustachian tube orifice, a guide catheter having a bend on its distal tip greater than about 30 degrees and less than about 90 degrees may be used. Once accessed, diagnostic or interventional devices may be introduced into the Eustachian tube. Optionally, to prevent damage to the delicate middle ear structures, a safety mechanism may be employed. In one embodiment, the safety mechanism may include a probe and/or a sensor introduced into the middle ear via the tympanic membrane as shown in FIG. 7. For example, the probe may be an endoscope, and the sensor may be an electromagnetic transducer.

[0050] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view showing the nasopharynx region and a guide catheter 100 in the nasal passage where the distal tip 102 of the guide catheter is adjacent the Eustachian tube opening. FIG. 7 shows the guide catheter 100 having a bend on its distal tip 102 that is greater than about 30 degrees and less than about 90 degrees located adjacent the Eustachian tube orifice. A sensor 104 located adjacent the tympanic membrane may be used to monitor advancement of the guide catheter. The sensor is one example of a safety mechanism.

[0051] Diagnosis

[0052] Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to diagnosis of the condition of the middle ear and its structure. In one embodiment, diagnosis may include use of an endoscope that has been advanced into position through the guide catheter 100. The design of the endoscope will allow for a 90 degree or more Y axis visualization and a 360 degree rotation. Such an endoscope may be used for assessment of cholesteotomas, ossicle function and/or condition, and the surgical follow-up. An exemplary endoscope that may be adapted as described above may use the IntroSpicio 115 1.8 mm camera developed by Medigus. Such a camera measures approximately 1.8 mm1.8 mm and its small rigid portion allows for the maximum flexibility at the endoscope tip.

[0053] Alternatively, ultrasound may be used by injecting a fluid into the middle ear space and the ET and scanning the middle ear and the ET and its structure ultrasonically. Post-procedure the fluid may be aspirated or left to drain through the Eustachian tube. An ultrasound tipped catheter may be advanced up the ET to a position at the middle ear cavity. The ultrasound catheter may then be pulled down the ET and the physician may use an external video monitor to view the structure in and adjacent the ET.

[0054] Functional diagnosis of the Eustachian tube may be achieved via direct or indirect assessment. In one embodiment, for direct assessment, the diagnostic system may allow for the dynamic monitoring of the Eustachian tube during swallowing via a diagnostic probe inserted via the nasopharynx. Since such a diagnostic system may be used dynamically during swallowing, the probe may be made of a flexible and durable material configured to be atraumatic. In one embodiment, the guide catheter(s) 100 used in the nasopharynx approach may be removed once the diagnostic probe is in or near the ET region and prior to the swallowing.

[0055] In one embodiment, the diagnostic probe may comprise an endoscope to visualize the ET structure and function. Alternatively, the diagnostic probe may include a pressure transducer located on a catheter or a wire. When a pressure transducer is used, the pressure within the ET may be monitored during swallowing and the pressure measurements may be interpreted for ET opening function. Alternatively, an ultrasound probe may be inserted in the ET lumen to scan the ET region's structure. Fluid may be introduced into the ET to facilitate ultrasound diagnosis. For any of the above diagnostic systems, a single short length transducer that is repositioned after each swallow may be used. Alternatively, an array of transducers may be used to facilitate mapping of all or a portion of an ET.

[0056] The techniques described above may be used to directly access and diagnose a Eustachian tube of a patient. In one embodiment, a method for accessing a Eustachian tube of a patient may include inserting a guide catheter into a nasal passage of the patient, the guide catheter having a distal tip with a bend having an angle between about 30 and about 90 degrees; and advancing the guide catheter in the nasal passage toward an opening of the Eustachian tube in the nasopharynx to place the distal tip adjacent the Eustachian tube opening. Additionally, the method may also include advancing a diagnostic device through the guide catheter to place a distal tip of the diagnostic device adjacent the Eustachian tube opening. The diagnostic device may include a diagnostic catheter. The diagnostic device may include an endoscope, a pressure transducer, or an ultrasound catheter.

[0057] Additionally, the method may also include introducing a diagnostic probe into the Eustachian tube to directly assess Eustachian tube function. It is preferred that the diagnostic probe is made from a flexible and Eustachian tube compatible material. Alternatively, the diagnostic probe may comprise a pressure transducer located on a guide wire, and whereby the method also includes monitoring pressure within the Eustachian tube while the patient is swallowing; and assessing an opening function of the patient's Eustachian tube using the monitoring. The method may also include removing the guide catheter after the diagnostic probe is placed into the Eustachian tube. Additionally, or alternatively, the diagnostic probe may comprise an ultrasound probe.

[0058] For indirect functional diagnosis of a Eustachian tube, in some embodiments, an external energy source may be used to assess opening of the Eustachian tube. For example, possible energy sources may include, but are not limited to, pressure, sound, light or other electromagnetic energy. In one embodiment of indirect assessment, an emitter may be positioned in the nasopharynx and a receiver may be placed at the tympanic membrane. Correlation between the emitted signal and the received signal may be translated into the physical characteristics of the ET during swallowing.

[0059] The techniques described above may be used to implement procedures for indirectly accessing and diagnosing the Eustachian tube of a patient. The indirect assessment method includes positioning an energy emitter in the nasopharynx adjacent a Eustachian tube, positioning an energy receiver adjacent the tympanic membrane via the external ear canal; directing energy from the emitter toward the receiver; generating an emitter signal representative of the energy from the emitter; generating a receiver signal representative of the energy received by the emitter; forming a comparison between the emitter signal and the receiver signal; and indirectly assessing function of the Eustachian tube during swallowing, using the comparison. The energy emitter can be a device that emits energy in the form of a pressure wave or electromagnetic energy. The indirect assessment may also include estimating the physical characteristics of Eustachian tube.

[0060] Treatment

[0061] An embodiment of the present invention is directed toward the treatment of Eustachian tube disorders. In some cases, for example, Eustachian tube disorders may be related to the Eustachian tube being unable to open or close. In some cases mucosal tissue of the Eustachian tube may thicken, such that the adjacent muscles become ineffective in opening the Eustachian tube in order to provide a gas pathway between the Eustachian tube and the nasopharynx.

[0062] FIG. 9A shows a perspective view of a device 900 for supporting a Eustachian tube, according to another embodiment of the invention. The device 900 includes a lumen 902 which is in fluid communication with a valve 904. The lumen 902 is configured to be inserted into the Eustachian tube, and accordingly includes a suitable length and diameter, for example, approximately 35 mm and 1.5 mm respectively. Although the lumen 902 is shown with a circular profile, the lumen 902 may be of other suitable shapes, such as a crescent, for matching the transverse profile of the Eustachian tube. The lumen 902 can be made from a variety of materials, for example, biocompatible metals and polymers. The lumen 902 can be constructed in a variety of ways, for example, expandable mesh (stent), woven graft, or pre-formed (molded). In some embodiments, the lumen 902 can include therapeutic substances which elute over time in order to provide a desired tissue response, for example, causing tissue to grow into exterior portions of the lumen, and/or preventing tissue from growing excessively into the interior of the lumen.

[0063] The valve 904 is shown to include a first valve portion 906 and a second valve portion 908. The valve 904 is normally in a closed configuration when implanted, with the first and second valve portions sealingly engaging each other, as the Eustachian tube is also normally closed. The first and second valve portions are configured to open and close with physiological movement of tissues near the Eustachian tube, typically with movement of the tensor villi palatine or the levator villi palatine muscles (depending on which ear the device 900 is placed in), for example, during swallowing. The first and second valve portions can include tethers 910 or other tension members. The members or tethers can (but need not) comprise laterally flexible tension members. One side of the tethers 910A can be connected to the tensor villi palatine or the levator villi palatine muscles. Another side of the tethers 910B can be connected to cartilage adjacent to the Eustachian tube. Accordingly, movement of the tensor villi palatine or the levator villi palatine muscles will cause the tethers 910A to move and in turn cause the second valve portion 908 to separate from the first valve portion 906, and cause the Eustachian tube to open.

[0064] The tethers 910A are intended to be able to move with the tensor villi palatine or the levator villi palatine muscles, and are configured to pass through the Eustachian tube wall. The tethers 910A may incorporate outer sleeves (not shown) for tissue to adhere to, but still allow movement of the tethers 910. The tethers 910B are intended to pass through the Eustachian tube wall and connect to adjacent cartilage. The tethers 910B are not required to move. The tethers 910B can be of appropriate length to compress surrounding mucosa and thus reduce the effective inner diameter of the Eustachian tube. The tethers 910 are connected to the appropriate muscles or cartilage through anchoring members 912 which anchor to tissue. The valve 903 is shown to occupy a portion of the lumen 902, however, in some embodiments the valve may occupy the entirety of the lumen when in the closed configuration. In some embodiments, a plurality of valves 904 may occupy the lumen 902.

[0065] FIGS. 9B and 9C shows a cross-sectional views of the device 900. The device includes a closed position as shown in FIG. 9B. The valve 904 is closed when the tensor villi palatine or the levator villi palatine muscles are not contracted, and not pulling on tethers 910A. The valve 904 is open when the tensor villi palatine or the levator villi palatine muscles contract or shorten, and pull on tethers 910A to move the second valve portion, as shown in FIG. 9C. A portion 902A of the lumen 902 may be stretchable or foldable, such that when the valve 902 opens a pathway is present between the first and second valve portions when the valve 902 is open. Accordingly, the lumen 902 may comprise a stretchable and/or flexible material, such as silicone.

[0066] FIGS. 10A and 10 B shows perspective views of an anchoring member 912 according to one embodiment of the invention. In an unconstrained configuration, the first component forms a generally T-configuration (FIG. 10B). When constrained within an anchor delivery device, the first component defines a substantially straight member (FIG. 10A). While the component can be formed from a number of materials and manufactured using various conventional approaches. The anchoring member 912 can be cut from a Nitinol tube using a laser. Using a superelastic material such as Nitinol provides the component 82 with the resiliency to transform between a flipped T-configuration and a straight configuration.

[0067] As shown, the anchoring member 912 includes a first portion 84 which at one end defines a cylindrical structure and at the other a partial cylindrical structure. When unconstrained, this first portion 84 forms a T-bar or top of the anchoring member 82. A complementary partial cylindrical structure forms a mid-section or second portion 86 of the anchoring member 82 and operates as a spring to accomplish the flipping of the first portion 84 between constrained and unconstrained configurations. When the component is in its constrained, straight form, the second portion is positioned adjacent the first portion 84. A third portion 88 is also cylindrical in shape and extends from the second portion 86 away from the first portion 84. The third portion 88 can attach to one end of a tether 910. Another anchoring member can attach to the other end of the tether. One commonly skilled in the art would recognize that other types of anchoring devices may be used or adapted, and devices for implanting such anchoring devices, for example, as shown and described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/492,690, Publication No. 2007/0049929A1, the entirety of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

[0068] FIG. 11A shows a partial cross-section of an Eustachian tube ET, including surrounding tensor villi palatine or the levator villi palatine muscles M, and adjacent cartilage C. The device 900 has been placed using a guide wire 916. The guide wire 916 is inserted via a patient's nasopharynx. A suitable nasal endoscope may be used to place the guide wire. The guide wire 916 can include a marker 916M to which can be aligned with a feature of the Eustachian tube, such as the entry way, to determine how far to advance the guide wire into the Eustachian tube. The device 900 is shown placed in the Eustachian tube ET. The device 900 is shown in an expanded state for the sake of clarity, but may be collapsed around the guide wire in actual use.

[0069] FIG. 11B shows a partial cross-section of the Eustachian tube ET of FIG. 11A. A catheter 918 is advanced over the guide wire 916 and placed partially within the device 900. The catheter 918 includes a hollow needle 920 which is advanced through an opening within the device 900 about valve 902 and through the Eustachian tube ET and tensor villi palatine or the levator villi palatine muscles M. A tether 910A and two connected anchoring members 912A, 912B reside within the needle. Anchoring member 912A can be ejected from the needle 920 within or along the tensor villi palatine or the levator villi palatine muscles M. The anchoring member 912A can then form a T-shape as discussed herein, and anchor itself within or along the tensor villi palatine or the levator villi palatine muscles M. The needle 920 may then be withdrawn to a position about the device 900 and anchoring member 912B may be ejected from the needle 920. The anchoring member 912A can then form a T-shape, and anchor itself to the device 900. The tether 910A connects the anchoring members 912A, 912B. At least one tether may also be placed into the cartilage C using the same method.

[0070] FIG. 11C shows a partial cross-section of the Eustachian tube ET of FIG. 11A. The device 900 is shown connected about valve 902 to the tensor villi palatine or the levator villi palatine muscles M by at least one tether 910A. The device 900 is also shown connected about valve 902 to the cartilage C by a tether 910B. Shortening or contraction of the tensor villi palatine or the levator villi palatine muscles M can open the valve 902, for example, during swallowing. Thus, the device can provide a gas pathway between the ET lumen and the nasopharynx.

[0071] FIG. 11D shows a perspective view of the device 900 implanted within or along to a Eustachian tube. Multiple tethers 910A connect the second valve portion 908 to the tensor villi palatine or the levator villi palatine muscles M. Similarly, multiple tethers 910B connect the first valve portion 906 to the cartilage C. The device 900 is shown in a closed position with the first and second valve portions in contact with each other. The Eustachian tube is normally closed with the posterior and anterior walls of the Eustachian tube in contact. The Eustachian tube opens to relieve pressure or fluids upon contraction of the tensor villi palatine or the levator villi palatine muscles M, and thus separate the anterior wall AW from the posterior wall PW.

[0072] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a portion of a Eustachian tube ET. As noted above, Eustachian tube disorders can originate from a thickening of the mucosa MU on the posterior wall of the Eustachian tube. When the mucosa MU becomes too thick, contraction of the tensor villi palatine or the levator villi palatine muscles M can be ineffective to open the Eustachian tube. Tethers 1200 are shown at least partially implanted within or along the mucosa MU with anchors 1202, 1204 positioned within or along the cartilage C and mucosa MU. The tethers 1200 and anchors 1202, 1204 can be implanted as similarly discussed herein. The tethers 1200 can be of an appropriate length, for example as long as the transverse thickness of a normal mucosa, which may be patient dependent, in order to compress and shrink the thickened mucosa MU to a normal thickness. Accordingly, contraction of the tensor villi palatine or the levator villi palatine muscles M can then be effective in separating the anterior wall AW from the posterior wall PW of the compressed Eustachian tube. A plurality of tethers can be placed throughout the Eustachian tube. In some embodiments, the tethers or anchors are attached to support members (not shown) placed within or along the Eustachian tube, for supporting the tissue of the Eustachian tube and/or to provide a valve.

[0073] FIGS. 13A and 13B show perspective and end views, respectively, of a spring member 1300 for supporting a Eustachian tube. The spring member 1300 can be configured in an elongated clamshell configuration as shown. A first portion 1302 of the spring member 1300 is configured to be positioned along and/or a the posterior wall of the Eustachian tube. A second portion 1304 of the spring member 1300 is configured to be positioned along and/or about the posterior wall of the Eustachian tube. The first portion 1302 and the second portion 1304 can be spring biased away from each other according to a spring force F to resist the first portion 1302 and the second portion 1304 from coming into contact with one another, with the spring force optionally being substantially constant. The spring member 1300 can comprise a variety of metals and polymers. In some embodiments, the spring member 1300 can be constructed from a plurality of biased wires (shaped in the profile of FIG. 13B) connected by a membrane of material. In some embodiments, the spring member 1300 can be constructed from a single piece of flat material. In some embodiments, the spring member 1300 can be constructed from mesh of interwoven material. In some embodiments, the spring member 1300 can be coated or imbedded with a therapeutic substance, for example, to encourage tissue growth, limit stenosis of the Eustachian tube, and/or the like.

[0074] FIG. 13C shows a perspective view of a portion of a Eustachian tube ET. The spring member 1300 is shown implanted sub-mucosally along the Eustachian tube ET. The first portion 1302 and the second portion 1304 of the spring member 1300 are shown implanted along the Eustachian tube, with the first portion 1302 located behind the posterior wall PW, and the second portion located behind the anterior wall AW. The spring member 1300 serves to aid opening of the Eustachian tube as the spring force F helps separate the anterior wall AW from the posterior wall PW, and thus serve as an aid to the tensor villi palatine or the levator villi palatine muscles M. In some embodiments, the spring member 1300 may be surgically implanted behind the anterior wall AW and posterior wall PW, for example by an incision. In some embodiments, the spring member 1300 may include a substance which causes a tissue response to grow into or over the spring member 1300. In some embodiments, the spring member 1300 may be permanently or temporarily positioned on the exterior of the anterior and posterior walls. In some embodiments, the spring member 1300 is biased toward a closed configuration to keep the Eustachian tube closed in the case of a patulous Eustachian tube.

[0075] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. For example, devices and methods for accessing the Eustachian tube as disclosed in co-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/340,226, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein, may be used in conjunction with the instant disclosure. These other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention, which is set forth in the following claims.