277 results about "Larynx" patented technology

A method is disclosed for treating benign conditions, such as enlarged tonsils and / or adenoids located in a patient's throat or nasopharynx, or soft tissue lesions located in a patient's oropharynx or larynx. According to the method, a space containing the patient's nasopharynx, oropharynx or pharynx and larynx is isolated from the patient's trachea and lungs using an inflatable cuff tracheostomy tube or nasotracheal tube inserted in the patient's trachea. The cuff is inflated to occlude the trachea. The patient is placed in a supine position, whereupon at least a portion of the space containing the nasopharynx and / or oropharynx and larynx is filled with saline. An endoscope is then inserted into the space to view the operative site in which the tonsils or tissue lesion are to be treated. An electrosurgical instrument having an active tissue treatment electrode and a return electrode connected to an electrosurgical generator is then inserted into the space, either along side the endoscope or through the endoscope's working channel. The generator is then operated to apply a radio frequency voltage between the active and return electrodes of the electrosurgical instrument, whereby a conduction path is formed between the active and return electrodes, at least partially through the saline, whereupon the active electrode is manipulated to debulk or otherwise treat the soft tissue lesion or enlarged tonsils and / or adenoids.

The invention provides a method and system for ablation of body structures or tissue in a sphincter, sinus or orifice such as the rectum, colon, esophagus, vagina, penis, larynx or pharynx. In one aspect of the invention, the environment surrounding the targeted ablation region can be isolated or controlled by blocking the flow of gases or liquids using an inflatable balloon positioned immediately adjacent to the tissue that is to be ablated. In a preferred embodiment, the inflatable balloon also serves to anchor the catheter in place and prevent the catheter from being expelled from the body. The inflatable balloon also insures that locally administered drug remain in the area where most needed. In a second aspect of the invention, positive pressure is used to inflate the balloon. Inflation of balloon triggers the extension of at least one curvilinear electrode into the targeted tissue. Negative pressure deflates the air sac and helps retract the curvilinear electrodes so as to allow the catheter to be removed from the body without damaging adjacent body structures. In a third aspect of the invention, the electrodes are coupled to sensors that measure properties of the target region such as temperature and impedance. Measurement of these properties permits the use of feedback technique to control delivery of the RF energy and administration of fluids for cooling and hydrating the affected tissues. In a fourth aspect of the invention, the catheter includes an optical path that can be coupled to external viewing apparatus. In this way, the position of the electrodes in the body can be determined by fluoroscopic or fiber optic techniques.

Sinusitis and other disorders of the ear, nose and throat are diagnosed and / or treated using minimally invasive approaches with flexible or rigid instruments. Various methods and devices are used for remodeling or changing the shape, size or configuration of a sinus ostium or duct or other anatomical structure in the ear, nose or throat; implanting a device, cells or tissues; removing matter from the ear, nose or throat; delivering diagnostic or therapeutic substances or performing other diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Introducing devices (e.g., guide catheters, tubes, guidewires, elongate probes, other elongate members) may be used to facilitate insertion of working devices (e.g. catheters e.g. balloon catheters, guidewires, tissue cutting or remodeling devices, devices for implanting elements like stents, electrosurgical devices, energy emitting devices, devices for delivering diagnostic or therapeutic agents, substance delivery implants, scopes etc.) into the paranasal sinuses or other structures in the ear, nose or throat.

Methods for treating oral, nasal, pharyngeal and / or laryngeal tissue in a subject are described. Methods of the invention may comprise spraying a tissue to be treated with a cryogen and / or using a cryogen to create an isotherm in proximity to the tissue to be treated.

A device for maintaining an airway in a patient. This device includes a mask having a resilient conformable peripheral portion that is shaped such that the mask forms a seal with the larynx when the mask is positioned in the laryngo pharynx to thereby prevent ingress of extraneous fluids into the larynx. The peripheral portion of the mask define at least one cavity for providing fluid communication to the esophagus when the mask is inserted into the laryngo pharynx. An airway tube is connected to or formed with the mask for passing gas to the larynx when the mask is properly inserted into the laryngo pharynx. The airway tube preferably is curved as it leaves the mask.