Surgical instrument, system, and method for frontal sinus irrigation

Abstract

A surgical instrument (22) for irrigating a patient's frontal sinus target site includes a handle, a guide (42), an irrigation channel (60), a nozzle (44), and an actuator assembly (46). The guide extends from the handle and forms a proximal portion and a distal portion. At least a portion of the proximal portion (110) is rigid and linear, while at least a portion of the distal portion (112) is rigid and relatively curved. The nozzle is fluidly connected to the irrigation channel and is rotatably retained at the distal end (114) of the introducer. The actuator assembly includes an actuator (140) held by the handle and connected to the nozzle. Movement of the actuator causes the nozzle to rotate relative to the guide. The size and shape of the guide can be made according to the size and shape of the adult nasal passage / frontal sinus.

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to systems and methods for delivering irrigants to the frontal sinus of a patient. More particularly, it relates to systems and methods for surgical treatment of the frontal sinuses, such as removal of bacterial biofilms. Background technique

[0002] Bacterial biofilms develop in various body cavities including, for example, ear cavities such as the middle ear, and nasal cavities such as the frontal or maxillary sinuses. Once bacterial growth has established, the bacteria will typically aggregate, stop dividing and begin to form a protective bacterial biofilm layer or "slime layer" composed of polysaccharide material.

[0003] Protective bacterial biofilms interfere with the body's natural immune response as well as traditional treatments. Specifically, the bacteria produce exotoxins, which stimulate the body's immune system to respond to white blood cells. However, bacterial biofilms affect the efficiency of white blo...

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