Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100121141 | ENDOSCOPIC CUTTING AND DEBRIDING DEVICE MOUNTED ON A FLEXIBLE AND MANEUVERABLE TUBE EMPLOYING A FLUID-DRIVEN TURBINE - An endoscope for visualizing and operating upon a surgical site within a human body employs an elongated tubular body adapted to be inserted through bodily passages so that the distal end is adjacent the surgical site. The body has a flexible section, at least proximal to the distal end, and manually adjustable bending controls at the proximal end may be manipulated to impose bending forces on the distal end to steer the distal end to the surgical site. A fluid turbine supported for rotation adjacent the distal end is powered by fluids pumped through a passage so as to rotate the turbine. The various cutters and debriding tools may be attached to the distal ends so that they are rotated by the turbine. | 05-13-2010 |
20110264032 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE ULTRASONIC CLEANING OF BIOFILM COATED SURFACES - To treat body surfaces, such as the sinuses, which are coated with biofilms, the surface is irrigated and suctioned with a fluid which may contain a biocide or other chemical agent for disrupting the biofilm while ultrasonic energy is applied to either the fluid barrier formed over the biofilm or a body surface proximal to the biofilm. Action of the fluid enhanced by the ultrasonic energy tends to remove sections of biofilm which are suctioned out of the site. An electrical field may also be applied to the biofilm to enhance the disruptive action. Apparatus for practicing this method to treat chronic rhinosinusitis comprises an elongated tube adapted to be inserted into sinus cavities through the nose or mouth. The tube includes a first lumen which feeds an irrigating fluid containing biocides and/or biofilm-disruptive chemicals to the treatment site and a second lumen which suctions fluid from the site. An ultrasound horn extends through the tube and its distal end introduces ultrasonic energy into the fluid layer overlying the biofilm. Alternatively, an ultrasound probe may be applied to an adjacent body surface, such as the face over a sinus cavity. In an alternative embodiment, the tube includes a pair of electrodes which establish an electric field across the biofilm, accelerating degradation. | 10-27-2011 |
20130053762 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COLD PLASMA TREATMENT OF INTERNAL ORGANS - Chronic sinusitis is treated by the application of cold plasma or plasma-activated species to the infected mucosal surfaces through use of an endoscope having a steerable end which may be projected into the sinus cavities through the nasal cavity. The cold plasma is generated at either the distal end of the endoscope with a power source by application of a power, or at the distal end by gas and electrical connections extending through the endoscope. The cold plasma or plasma-activated species act to destroy bacterial cells but not eukaryotic cells. | 02-28-2013 |
20140005481 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COLD PLASMA TREATMENT OF INTERNAL ORGANS | 01-02-2014 |
20140031726 | Low Frequency Ultrasound Surgical Systems for the Treatment of Soft Tissues - Devices, systems and methods using low frequency ultrasound to emulsify, disintegrate, cut and/or coagulate tissue in a narrow space such as the nasal passages and paranasal sinuses. The devices may comprise a low frequency generator, a functionally active handle, an ultrasound emitter, a concentrator, a waveguide and distal functional tips. The devices and methods are configured to safely and efficiently carry out surgical procedures within the nose and sinuses, among other soft tissues within the body. | 01-30-2014 |
20140221980 | BALLOON IRRIGATION AND CLEANING SYSTEM FOR INTERIOR WALLS OF BODY CAVITIES - A method and apparatus for cleansing the interior surfaces of body cavities employs a balloon catheter adopted to be inserted into a cavity through its ostium with the balloon in collapsed condition. An input flow tube for a cleansing and/or medicating fluid passes through a central passage in the balloon. When the balloon is inflated to establish a narrow passage between the balloon and the cavity walls, a pressurized flow of the fluid is pumped out the distal end of the input flow tube through the passage, parallel to the cavity walls, where it scours the inner wall of the cavity, removing debris as it flows out of the ostium. The fluid flow is urged toward a turbulent condition by attachments to the outer wall of the balloon. | 08-07-2014 |
20140378873 | METHODS, DEVICES AND SYSTEMS FOR INCREASING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ULTRASOUND AND OTHER TISSUE TREATMENT MODALITIES - Embodiments isolate exposed surfaces to increase the effectiveness of different treatment modalities. Embodiments isolate hollow spaces within the body to increase the effectiveness of ultrasound energy and/or other treatments. Such hollow spaces within the body may include nasal surfaces, and recessed or sequestered surfaces, e.g. sinus cavity surfaces or other anatomical structures, such as upper and lower gastrointestinal tract, airways, uterine and vaginal cavities and the anorectal canal, for example. Isolating the area to be treated reduces the volume of the enclosed and delimited space and reduces the tissue surface against which the ultrasound and/or biologically active substances act. For example, isolating a hollow passageway within the body enhances the effectiveness of ultrasound within the isolated space, and constrains the biologically active fluid and/or the gel or fluid configured to conducts the ultrasonic energy from the emitter thereof (e.g., an ultrasound waveguide) to the surfaces to be treated. | 12-25-2014 |
20150038790 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COLD PLASMA TREATMENT OF INTERNAL ORGANS - Chronic sinusitis is treated by the application of cold plasma or plasma-activated species to the infected mucosal surfaces through use of an endoscope having a steerable end which may be projected into the sinus cavities through the nasal cavity. The cold plasma is generated at either the distal end of the endoscope with a power source by application of a power, or at the distal end by gas and electrical connections extending through the endoscope. The cold plasma or plasma-activated species act to destroy bacterial cells but not eukaryotic cells. | 02-05-2015 |