Devices, systems and methods for diagnosing and treating sinusitis and other disorders of the ears, Nose and/or throat

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/829,917 filed on Apr. 21, 2004, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,654,997 on Feb. 2, 2010, and is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/522,497 filed on Sep. 15, 2006, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,559,925 on Jul. 14, 2009; the entireties of which are herein incorporated by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to medical devices and methods and more particularly to minimally invasive, catheter based devices, systems and methods for treating sinusitis and other ear, nose & throat disorders, and which reduce the need to provide fluoroscopic or other radiographic visualization.

[0003] The human nose is responsible for warming, humidifying and filtering inspired air and for conserving heat and moisture from expired air. The nose is also an important cosmetic feature of the face. The nose is formed mainly of cartilage, bone, mucous membranes and skin. The right and left nostrils lead into right and left nasal cavities on either side of the intranasal septum. The right and left nasal cavities extend back to the soft palate, where they merge to form the posterior choanae. The posterior choanae opens into the nasopharynx. The roof of the nose is formed, in part, by a bone known as the cribriform plate. The cribriform plate contains numerous tiny perforations through which sensory nerve fibers extend to the olfactory bulbs. The sensation of smell occurs when inhaled odors contact a small area of mucosa in the superior region of the nose, stimulating the nerve fibers that lead to the olfactory bulbs.

[0004] The paranasal sinuses are cavities formed within the bones of the face. The paranasal sinuses include frontal sinuses, ethmoid sinuses, sphenoidal sinuses and maxillary sinuses. The paranasal sinuses are lined with mucous-producing epithelial tissue. Normally, mucous produced by the linings of the paranasal sinuses slowly drains out of each sinus through an opening known as an ostium, and into the nasopharynx. Disorders that interfere with drainage of mucous (e.g., occlusion of the sinus ostia) can result in a reduced ability of the paranasal sinuses to function normally. This results in mucosal congestion within the paranasal sinuses. Such mucosal congestion of the sinuses can cause damage to the epithelium that lines the sinus with subsequent decreased oxygen tension and microbial growth (e.g., a sinus infection).

[0005] The nasal turbinates are three (or sometimes four) bony processes that extend inwardly from the lateral walls of the nose and are covered with mucosal tissue. These turbinates serve to increase the interior surface area of the nose and to impart warmth and moisture to air that is inhaled through the nose. The mucosal tissue that covers the turbinates is capable of becoming engorged with blood and swelling or becoming substantially devoid of blood and shrinking, in response to changes in physiologic or environmental conditions. The curved edge of each turbinate defines a passageway known as a meatus. For example, the inferior meatus is a passageway that passes beneath the inferior turbinate. Ducts, known as the nasolacrimal ducts, drain tears from the eyes into the nose through openings located within the inferior meatus. The middle meatus is a passageway that extends inferior to the middle turbinate. The middle meatus contains the semilunar hiatus, with openings or ostia leading into the maxillary, frontal, and anterior ethmoid sinuses. The superior meatus is located between the superior and medial turbinates.

[0006] Nasal Polyps:

[0007] Nasal polyps are benign masses that grow from the lining of the nose or paranasal sinuses. Nasal polyps often result from chronic allergic rhinitis or other chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Nasal polyps are also common in children who suffer from cystic fibrosis. In cases where nasal polyps develop to a point where they obstruct normal drainage from the paranasal sinuses, they can cause sinusitis.

[0008] Sinusitis:

[0009] The term “sinusitis” refers generally to any inflammation or infection of the paranasal sinuses. Sinusitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi (molds), allergies or combinations thereof. It has been estimated that chronic sinusitis (e.g., lasting more than 3 months or so) results in 18 million to 22 million physician office visits per year in the United States.

[0010] Patients who suffer from sinusitis typically experience at least some of the following symptoms:

• • [0011] headaches or facial pain
  • [0012] nasal congestion or post-nasal drainage
  • [0013] difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils
  • [0014] bad breath
  • [0015] pain in the upper teeth

[0016] Proposed Mechanism of Sinus Pain & Diagnosis

[0017] The sinuses consist of a series of cavities connected by passageways, ultimately opening into the nasal cavity. As described previously, these passageways and cavities are formed by bone, but covered in mucosa. If the mucosa of one of these passageways becomes inflamed for any reason, the cavities which drain through that passageway can become blocked. This trapping of mucous can be periodic (resulting in episodes of pain) or chronic. Chronically blocked passageways are targets of infection. Ultimately, it is the dimensions of the bony passageways and thickness of the overlying mucosa and its chronicity that dictate the duration and severity of sinus symptoms. Thus, the primary target for sinus therapy is the passageway, with the primary goal to regain drainage. Often CT will not reveal these dimensional issues, especially when the patient is not currently experiencing severe symptoms. Therefore there exists a need to dynamically evaluate the sinus passageways under normal conditions, in response to challenging stimuli. As suggested herein, if it would be possible to assess sinus disease and its dynamic component, one might better target therapy for sinusitis and possibly be able to treat patients in a more focused and minimally invasive manner. Such focus on the passageway and the use of flexible instrumentation suggests an entirely new approach to sinus intervention: one utilizing flexible catheters and guidance tools, with passageway and cavity modifying devices capable of being delivered with minimal damage to the surrounding tissues.

[0018] Deviated Septum:

[0019] The intranasal septum is a cartilaginous anatomical structure that divides one side of the nose from the other. Normally, the septum is relatively straight. A deviated septum is a condition where the cartilage that forms the septum is abnormally curved or bent. A deviated nasal septum may develop as the nose grows or, in some cases, may result from trauma to the nose. A deviated septum can interfere with proper breathing or may obstruct normal drainage of nasal discharge, especially in patient's whose nasal turbinates are swollen or enlarged due to allergy, overuse of decongestant medications, etc., Such interference with drainage of the sinuses can predispose the patient to sinus infections.

[0020] A deviated nasal septum that interferes with proper function of the nose can be surgically corrected by a procedure known as septoplasty. In a typical septoplasty procedure, an endoscope is inserted into the nose and the surgeon makes an incision inside the nose, lifts up the lining of the septum, and removes and straightens the underlying bone and cartilage that is abnormally deviated. Such surgical septoplasty procedures can effectively straighten a deviated septum but, because the nasal cartilage has some memory, the septum may tend to resume its original deviated shape.

[0021] Reduction/Removal of Nasal Turbinates

[0022] Various surgical techniques, including endoscopic surgery, have been used for reduction and/or removal of the inferior turbinate in patient's whose inferior turbinate is chronically enlarged such that it is obstructing normal breathing and/or normal drainage from the paranasal sinuses. Typically, chronic enlargement of the inferior turbinates is the result of allergies or chronic inflammation. Enlargement of the inferior turbinate can be especially problematic in patient's who also suffer from a deviated septum that crowds or impinges upon the soft tissue of the turbinate. Thus, a septoplasty to straighten the deviated septum is sometimes performed concurrently with a reduction of the inferior turbinates.

[0023] Sinus Tumors

[0024] Most polyps are benign, but one form of a nasal polyp, known as an inverting papilloma, can develop into a malignancy. Unlike most benign polyps, which typically occur on both sides of the nose, an inverting papilloma is usually found on just one side. Thus, in cases where a unilateral polyp is observed, it is usually biopsied to determine if it is malignant. If an inverting papilloma is detected before it becomes malignant and is removed completely, it will typically not recur. However, using the technology that has heretofore been available, it has sometimes been difficult to determine if the papilloma has been entirely removed unless and until regrowth of the polyp is observed on long term post-surgical follow-up.

[0025] Various benign sinus tumors have also been known to occur, but are relatively rare. The most common form of malignant sinus tumor is squamous cell carcinoma. Even with surgery and radiation treatment, squamous cell carcinoma of the paranasal sinus is associated with a relatively poor prognosis. Other types of malignant tumors that invade the paranasal sinuses include adenocarcinoma and, more rarely, lymphoma and even more rarely, melanoma.

[0026] Facial Fractures

[0027] The most common cause of fractures of the facial bones is auto accidents, but facial fractures are also frequently caused by sports injuries, industrial accidents, falls, assaults and gunshot wounds. Some facial fractures involve bones that are accessible from inside the nasal cavities or paranasal sinuses. Notably, the nose is the most commonly injured facial structure due to its prominent position on the face. Thus, fractures of the nasal bone (with or without resultant deviated septum) are not uncommon. Other facial fractures such as fractures of the orbital floor and/or the ethmoid or frontal sinuses are also accessible from inside the nose or sinuses. A common type of orbital floor fracture is a “blowout” fracture that typically results from blunt trauma to the eye where the force is transmitted downwardly causing the relatively thin bone that forms the floor of the orbit to fracture downwardly. This can cause the periorbital tissues to herniate into the maxillary sinus and sometimes can also create a “trap door” of bone that extends downwardly into the maxillary sinus.

[0028] Endoscopic Sinus Surgery and Other Current Procedures

[0029] Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

[0030] The most common corrective surgery for chronic sinusitis is functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). In FESS, an endoscope is inserted into the nose and, under visualization through the endoscope, the surgeon may remove diseased or hypertrophic tissue or bone and may enlarge the ostia of the sinuses to restore normal drainage of the sinuses. FESS procedures can be effective in the treatment of sinusitis and for the removal of tumors, polyps and other aberrant growths from the nose. Other endoscopic intranasal procedures have been used to remove pituitary tumors, to treat Graves disease (i.e., a complication of hyperthyroidism which results in protrusion of the eyes) and surgical repair of rare conditions wherein cerebrospinal fluid leaks into the nose (i.e., cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea).

[0031] Surgery to reduce the size of the inferior turbinates can be accomplished with endoscopic visualization (with magnification where desired) and is typically performed with the patient under general anesthesia. An incision is typically made in the mucosa that lines the turbinate to expose the underlying bone. Some quantity of the underlying bone may then be removed. If selective removal of some of the mucosa or soft tissue is also desired, such soft tissue can be debulked or removed through by traditional surgical cutting or by the use of other tissue ablation or debulking apparatus such as microdebriders or lasers. Less frequently, chronically enlarged inferior turbinates have been treated by cryotherapy. It is typically desirable to remove only as much tissue as necessary to restore normal breathing and drainage, as removal of too much tissue from the turbinates can impair the ability of the turbinates to perform their physiological functions of warming and humidifying inspired air and conserving warmth and moisture from expired air. Complications associated with inferior turbinate surgery include bleeding, crusting, dryness, and scarring.

[0032] In some patients, the middle turbinate is enlarged due to the presence of an invading air cell (concha bullosa), or the middle turbinate may be malformed (paradoxically bent). Severe ethmoid sinusitis or nasal polyps can also result in enlargement or malformation of the middle turbinates. Since a substantial amount of drainage from the sinuses passes through the middle meatus (i.e., the passage that runs alongside middle turbinate) any enlargement or malformation of the middle turbinate can contribute to sinus problems and require surgical correction. Thus, in some FESS procedures carried out to treat sinusitis, the middle meatus is cleared (e.g., the polyps or hypertorophic tissue are removed) thereby improving sinus drainage. However, the middle turbinate can include some of the olfactory nerve endings that contribute to the patient's sense of smell. For this reason, any reduction of the middle turbinate is typically performed in a very conservative manner with care being taken to preserve as much tissue as possible. In patients who suffer from concha bullosa, this may involve removing the bone on one side of an invading air sac. In the cases where the middle turbinate is malformed, just the offending portion(s) of the turbinate may be removed.

[0033] Extended Endoscopic Frontal Sinus Surgery

[0034] Because of its narrow anatomical configuration, inflammation of the frontal sinuses can be particularly persistent, even after surgery and/or medical therapy has resolved the inflammation in the other paranasal sinuses. In cases of persistent inflammation of the frontal sinuses, a surgery known as a trans-septal frontal sinusotomy, or modified Lothrop procedure, is sometimes performed. In this procedure, the surgeon removes a portion of the nasal septum and the bony partition between the sinuses to form one large common drainage channel for draining the frontal sinuses into the nose. This complicated procedure, as well as some other ear, nose and throat surgical procedures, can carry a risk of penetrating the cranial vault and causing leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Also, some sinus surgeries as well as other ear, nose and throat procedures are performed close to the optic nerves, the eyes, and the brain and can cause damage to those structures. To minimize the potential for such untoward complications or damage, image-guided surgery systems have been used to perform some complex head and neck procedures. In image guided surgery, integrated anatomical information is supplied through CT-scan images or other anatomical mapping data taken before the operation. Data from a preoperative CT scan or other anatomical mapping procedure is downloaded into a computer and special sensors known as localizers are attached to the surgical instruments. Thus, using the computer, the surgeon can ascertain, in three dimensions, the precise position of each localizer-equipped surgical instrument at any given point in time. This information, coupled with the visual observations made through the standard endoscope, can help the surgeon to carefully position the surgical instruments to avoid creating CSF leaks and to avoid causing damage to nerves or other critical structures.

[0035] Shortcomings of FESS

[0036] Although FESS continues to be the gold standard therapy for severe sinuses, it has several shortfalls. Often patients complain of the post-operative pain and bleeding associated with the procedure, and a significant subset of patients remain symptomatic even after multiple surgeries. Since FESS is considered an option only for the most severe cases (those showing abnormalities under CT scan), a large population of patients exist that can neither tolerate the prescribed medications nor be considered candidates for surgery. Further, because the methodologies to assess sinus disease are primarily static measurements (CT, MRI), patients whose symptoms are episodic are often simply offered drug therapy when in fact underlying mechanical factors may play a significant role. To date, there is no mechanical therapy offered for these patients, and even though they may fail pharmaceutical therapies, no other course of action is indicated. This leaves a large population of patients in need of relief, unwilling or afraid to take steroids, but not sick enough to qualify for surgery.

[0037] One of the reasons why FESS and sinus surgery is so bloody and painful relates to the fact that straight instrumentation with rigid shafts are used. Due to the fact that the sinuses are so close to the brain and other important structures, physicians have developed techniques using straight tools and image guidance to reduce the likelihood of penetrating into unwanted areas. In an effort to target deep areas of the anatomy, this reliance on straight instrumentation has resulted in the need to resect and remove or otherwise manipulate any anatomical structures that may lie in the path of the instruments, regardless of whether those anatomical structures are part of the pathology. With the advances in catheter based technology and imaging developed for the cardiovascular system, there exists a significant opportunity to reduce the morbidity of sinus interventional through the use of flexible instrumentation and guidance.

[0038] If flexible tools could be developed such that sinus intervention may be able to be carried out with even less bleeding and post-operative pain, these procedures may be applicable to a larger group of patients. Further, as described here, flexible instrumentation may allow the application of new diagnostic and therapeutic modalities that have never before been possible.

[0039] Laser or Radiofrequency Turbinate Reduction Soft Tissue Only)

[0040] In cases where it is not necessary to revise the bone that underlies the turbinate, the surgeon may elect to perform a laser or radiofrequency procedure designed to create a coagulative lesion in (or on) the turbinate, which in turn causes the soft tissue of the turbinate to shrink. Also, in some cases, a plasma generator wand may be used create high energy plasma adjacent to the turbinate to cause a reduction in the size of the turbinate.

[0041] One example of a radio frequency procedure that may be used to shrink enlarged inferior turbinates is radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction (RFVTR) using the Somnoplasty® system (Somnus Medical Technologies, Sunnyvale, Calif.). The Somnoplasty® system includes a radio frequency generator attached to a probe. The probe is inserted through the mucosa into the underlying soft tissue of the turbinate, usually under direct visualization. Radiofrequency energy is then delivered to heat the submucosal tissue around the probe, thereby creating a submucosal coagulative lesion while allowing the mucosa to remain in tact. As the coagulative lesion heals, the submucosal tissue shrinks thereby reducing the overall size of the turbinate. Radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction (RFVTR) can be performed as an office procedure with local anesthesia.

[0042] Many of the above-described procedures and techniques may be adaptable to minimally invasive approaches and/or the use of flexible instrumentation. There exists a need in the art for the development of such minimally invasive procedures and techniques as well as instrumentation (e.g., flexible instruments or catheters) useable to perform such procedures and techniques.

[0043] The skull contains a series of cavities known as paranasal sinuses that are connected by passageways. The paranasal sinuses are lined with mucous-producing mucosal tissue and ultimately open into the nasal cavity. Normally, mucous produced by the mucosal tissue slowly drains out of each sinus through an opening known as an ostium. If the mucosal tissue of one of these passageways becomes inflamed for any reason, the cavities which drain through that passageway can become blocked. This blockage can be periodic (resulting in episodes of pain) or chronic. This interference with drainage of mucous (e.g., occlusion of a sinus ostium) can result in mucosal congestion within the paranasal sinuses. Chronic mucosal congestion of the sinuses can cause damage to the epithelium that lines the sinus with subsequent decreased oxygen tension and microbial growth (e.g., a sinus infection).

[0044] The term “sinusitis” refers generally to any inflammation or infection of the paranasal sinuses caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi (molds), allergies or combinations thereof. It has been estimated that chronic sinusitis (e.g., lasting more than 3 months or so) results in 18 million to 22 million physician office visits per year in the United States. Patients who suffer from sinusitis typically experience at least some of the following symptoms: headaches or facial pain; nasal congestion or post-nasal drainage; difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils; bad breath; and/or pain in the upper teeth.

[0045] One of the ways to treat sinusitis is by restoring the lost mucous flow. The initial therapy is typically drug therapy using anti-inflammatory agents to reduce the inflammation and antibiotics to treat the infection. A large number of patients do not respond to drug therapy. Currently, the gold standard for patients with chronic sinusitis that do not respond to drug therapy is a corrective surgery called Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS).

[0046] As indicated above, FESS does have several shortcomings. For example, FESS can cause significant post-operative pain. Also, some FESS procedures are associated with significant postoperative bleeding and, as a result, nasal packing is frequently placed in the patient's nose for some period of time following the surgery. Such nasal packing can be uncomfortable and can interfere with normal breathing, eating, drinking etc. Also, some patients remain symptomatic even after multiple FESS surgeries. Additionally, some FESS procedures are associated with risks of iatrogenic orbital, intracranial and sinonasal injury. Many otolaryngologists consider FESS an option only for patients who suffer from severe sinus disease (e.g., those showing significant abnormalities under CT scan). Thus, patients with less severe disease may not be considered candidates for FESS

[0047] In work done in connection with the present invention, new devices, systems and techniques are being developed for the treatment of sinusitis and other disorders of the ear, nose, throat and paranasal sinuses. For example, various catheters, guidewires and other devices useable to perform minimally invasive, minimally traumatic ear, nose and throat surgery have been described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/829,917 entitled “Devices, Systems and Methods for Diagnosing and Treating Sinusitis and Other Disorders of the Ears, Nose and/or Throat,” issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,654,997 on Feb. 2, 2010, Ser. No. 10/912,578 entitled “Implantable Device and Methods for Delivering Drugs and Other Substances to Treat Sinusitis and Other Disorders,” issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,361,168 on Apr. 22, 2008, Ser. No. 10/944,270 entitled “Apparatus and Methods for Dilating and Modifying Ostia of Paranasal Sinuses and Other Intranasal or Paranasal Structures,” published as U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0004323 on Jan. 5, 2006, now abandoned, Ser. No. 11/037,548 entitled “Devices, Systems and Methods For Treating Disorders of the Ear, Nose and Throat”, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,462,175 on Dec. 9, 2009, and Ser. No. 11/116,118 entitled “Methods and Devices For Performing Procedures Within the Ear, Nose, Throat and Paranasal Sinuses,” issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,720,521 on May 18, 2010. Each of these applications is hereby incorporated herein, in its entirety, by reference thereto. Many of these new devices, systems and techniques are useable in conjunction with endoscopic, radiographic and/or electronic assistance to facilitate precise positioning and movement of catheters, guidewires and other devices within the ear, nose, throat and paranasal sinuses and to avoid undesirable trauma or damage to critical anatomical structures such as the eyes, facial nerves and brain.

[0048] For example, in one new procedure (referred to in this patent application as a “Flexible Transnasal Sinus Intervention” or FTSI), a dilatation catheter (e.g., a balloon catheter or other type of dilator) is advanced through the nose to a position within the ostium of a paranasal sinus or other location, without requiring removal or surgical alteration of other intranasal anatomical structures. The dilatation catheter is then used to dilate the ostium or other anatomical structures to facilitate natural drainage from the sinus cavity. In some cases, a tubular guide may be initially inserted through the nose and advanced to a position near the sinus ostium and a guidewire may then be advanced through the tubular guide and into the affected paranasal sinus. The dilatation catheter may then be advanced over the guidewire and through the tubular guide to a position where its dilator (e.g., balloon) is positioned within the sinus ostium. The dilator (e.g., balloon) is then expanded causing the ostium to dilate. In some cases, such dilatation of the ostium may fracture, move or remodel bony structures that surround or are adjacent to the ostium. Optionally, in some procedures, irrigation solution and/or therapeutic agents may be infused through a lumen of the dilatation catheter and/or other working devices (e.g., guidewires, catheters, cannula, tubes, dilators, balloons, substance injectors, needles, penetrators, cutters, debriders, microdebriders, hemostatic devices, cautery devices, cryosurgical devices, heaters, coolers, scopes, endoscopes, light guides, phototherapy devices, drills, rasps, saws, etc.) may be advanced through the tubular guide and/or over the guidewire to deliver other therapy to the sinus or adjacent tissues during the same procedure in which the FTSI is carried out. It is to be understood that, in FTSI procedures, structures and passageways other than sinus ostia may be dilated using the tools described above, tissue may be resected or ablated, bone may be restructured, drugs or drug delivery systems may be deployed, etc., as described in the documents incorporated herein by reference. Thus, for the purposes of this application the term FTSI will be generally used to refer broadly to all of those procedures, not just dilation of sinus ostia.

[0049] In FTSI procedures that include positioning of a guidewire into a paranasal sinus, the placement of the guidewire is typically confirmed by visualizing the procedure under fluoroscopy or other x-ray visualization technique, for example. Appropriate positioning of the tubular guide at the position near the sinus ostium may also be confirmed via fluoroscopy. In order to reduce the radiation exposure to the patient undergoing the procedure, and particularly to the surgeon and other personnel that carry out many of these types of procedures, there is a need for methods and devices that eliminate or reduce the need to use fluoroscopic visualization during such procedures.

[0050] In general, the present invention provides methods, devices and systems for diagnosing and/or treating sinusitis or other conditions of the ear, nose or throat.

[0051] In accordance with the present invention, there are provided methods wherein one or more flexible catheters or other flexible elongate devices as described herein are inserted in to the nose, nasopharynx, paranasal sinus, middle ear or associated anatomical passageways to perform an interventional or surgical procedure. Examples of procedures that may be performed using these flexible catheters or other flexible elongate devices include but are not limited to: delivering contrast medium; delivering a therapeutically effective amount of a therapeutic substance; implanting a stent, tissue remodeling device, substance delivery implant or other therapeutic apparatus; cutting, ablating, debulking, cauterizing, heating, freezing, lasing, dilating or otherwise modifying tissue such as nasal polyps, aberrant or enlarged tissue, abnormal tissue, etc.; grafting or implanting cells or tissue; reducing, setting, screwing, applying adhesive to, affixing, decompressing or otherwise treating a fracture; delivering a gene or gene therapy preparation; cutting, ablating, debulking, cauterizing, heating, freezing, lasing, forming an osteotomy or trephination in or otherwise modifying bony or cartilaginous tissue within paranasal sinus or elsewhere within the nose; remodeling or changing the shape, size or configuration of a sinus ostium or other anatomical structure that affects drainage from one or more paranasal sinuses; removing puss or aberrant matter from the paranasal sinus or elsewhere within the nose; scraping or otherwise removing cells that line the interior of a paranasal sinus; removing all or a portion of a tumor; removing a polyp; delivering histamine, an allergen or another substance that causes secretion of mucous by tissues within a paranasal sinus to permit assessment of drainage from the sinus; implanting a cochlear implant or indwelling hearing aid or amplification device, etc.

[0052] Further in accordance with the invention, there are provided methods for diagnosing and assessing sinus conditions, including methods for delivering contrast media into cavities, assessing mucosal flow, assessing passageway resistance and cilliary function, exposing certain regions to antigen challenge, etc.

[0053] Still further in accordance with the invention, there are provided novel devices for performing some or all of the procedures described herein.

[0054] A method for visually confirming the positioning of a distal end portion of a device placed within a patient is provided to include: inserting a distal end portion of an illuminating device internally into a patient, emitting light from the distal end portion of the illuminating device; observing transillumination resulting from the light emitted from the distal end portion of the illuminating device that occurs on an external surface of the patient; and correlating the location of the observed transillumination on the external surface of the patient with an internal location of the patient that underlies the location of observed transillumination, to confirm positioning of the distal end portion of the illuminating device.

[0055] In at least one embodiment, the observation is performed by direct line of sight human observation, without the need for fluoroscopy. In at least one embodiment, the observation is performed by direct line of sight human observation, without the need for any visualization equipment. In at least one embodiment, the illuminating device comprises a guidewire. In at least one embodiment, the illuminating device comprises an ostium seeker device. In at least one embodiment, the illuminating device comprises a sinus suction instrument. In at least one embodiment, the illuminating device comprises an integrated wire dilatation catheter, wherein an integrated illuminating guidewire extends distally of a distal end of a dilatation catheter. In at least one embodiment, the distal end portion of the illuminating guidewire is inserted into a sinus passageway of the patient. In at least one embodiment, the distal end portion of the illuminating guidewire is inserted through an ostium opening to a sinus of the patient, and the distal end portion is advanced into the sinus. In at least one embodiment, the distal end portion of the illuminating guidewire is initially inserted through a nostril of the patient and then advanced into a sinus. In at least one embodiment, a scope is inserted through the nostril of the patient, wherein the guidewire is inserted adjacent the scope, and visualization of the advancement of the distal end portion of the guide wire is performed via the scope as the distal end portion is advanced toward an ostium of the sinus. In at least one embodiment, transillumination is observed when a light emitting portion of the distal end portion is located in the sinus of the patient.

[0056] If observation of transillumination and correlation reveals that the distal end portion of the illumination device has been misrouted to a location other than a target location, distal end portion of the device can be retracted and re-routed to the target location, which can be confirmed by observing transillumination and correlating.

[0057] In observing transillumination, the motion of the transillumination spot resulting from the light emitted from the distal end portion of the illuminating device can be observed and tracked or followed visually, as the distal end portion is moved relative to the patient, and this can be one way of confirming that the transillumination spot in motion correlates to a position of the distal end portion. This technique can be particularly useful when there are additional sources of transillumination, such as a light from a scope, for example.

[0058] Further, transillumination resulting from the light emitted from the distal end portion of the device can be distinguished from transillumination resulting from light emitted from a scope by identifying a transillumination spot that is at least one of brighter, smaller or more well-defined than other transillumination effects observed. Alternatively, the transillumination resulting from the light emitted from the distal end portion of the device can be distinguished from transillumination resulting from light emitted from a scope by turning off or down the light source to the scope.

[0059] In at least one embodiment, a sinus guide is inserted within the patient prior to inserting the device, and the distal end portion of the illuminating device is inserted through the sinus guide. In at least one embodiment, the illuminating device is preloaded in the guide, and the guide and preloaded illuminating device are inserted together into the patient. Advancement of the illuminating device relative to the guide can then be performed to extend a distal end portion of the illuminating device distally of a distal end of the guide.

[0060] A scope may be inserted within the patient, wherein the sinus guide is inserted adjacent the scope, and advancement of the sinus guide can be visualized via the scope.

[0061] In at least one embodiment, visualization of the advancement of the sinus guide is through use of the scope, up to a limit of adequate illumination by the scope. After that, the light emitted by the distal end portion of the illuminating device, having been advanced distally of a distal end of the sinus guide, extends the limit of adequate illumination of the scope, thereby extending a length of the adequate illumination of the scope. In at least one embodiment, the sinus guide can be further distally advanced under visualization by the scope as facilitated by the extended length of the adequate illumination. In at least one embodiment, visualization of the advancement of the illuminating device distally of the sinus guide can be performed via the scope, as facilitated by the light emitted from the distal end portion of the device. In at least one embodiment, the scope is inserted into a nostril of the patient, and the sinus guide is inserted adjacent the scope. In at least one embodiment, the scope and sinus guide are advanced into a sinus passageway of the patient. In at least one embodiment, the sinus guide is further advanced toward an ostium of a sinus, and the advancement of the sinus guide is visually observed via the scope. In at least one embodiment, the scope is inserted into a nostril of the patient, and the sinus guide is inserted adjacent the scope. The advancement of the sinus guide into a sinus passageway is visualized via the scope until a distal end of the sinus guide has reached a distal limit of illumination emitted by the scope. In at least one embodiment, further advancement of the sinus guide toward an ostium of a sinus is visualized via the scope as facilitated by the extended length of adequate illumination provided by the illumination device. In at least one embodiment, the scope is inserted into a nostril of the patient, and the sinus guide is inserted adjacent the scope. The advancement of the sinus guide to place a distal end of the sinus guide adjacent an approach to an ostium of a sinus is visualized via the scope. In at least one embodiment, the distal end portion of the illuminating device is advanced further distally of a distal end of the sinus guide and distal of the limit of illumination of the scope to emit illumination, thereby extending a length of a space that is visualizable by the scope. In at least one embodiment, the distal end portion of the device is further advanced into and through the ostium, and visualization of the advancement of the distal end portion into the ostium is performed via the scope. In at least one embodiment the device comprises an illuminating guidewire, a working device is advanced over the guidewire to position a working end of the working device at a target location, and a surgical procedure is performed with the working device at the target location. The working device is removed from the patient after performing the surgical procedure. Optionally, an implant can be left at the target location.

[0062] A method of performing a minimally invasive surgical procedure is provided, including the steps of: inserting a distal end portion of an illuminating guidewire internally into a patient; emitting light from the distal end portion of the illuminating guidewire, wherein a proximal end portion is connected to a power source to enable the distal end portion to emit light; observing transillumination resulting from the light emitted from the distal end portion of the illuminating guidewire that occurs on an external surface of the patient; correlating the location of the observed transillumination on the external surface of the patient with an internal location of the patient that underlies the location of observed transillumination, to confirm positioning of the distal end portion of the illuminating guidewire; disconnecting the proximal end portion of the illuminating guidewire from the power source; advancing a working device over the guidewire so that a proximal end of the guidewire extends proximally from the working device; reconnecting the proximal end portion of the illuminating guidewire to the power source so that the distal end portion of the guidewire again emits light; positioning a working end of the working device at a target location; and performing a surgical procedure with the working device at the target location.

[0063] After performing the surgical procedure, the proximal end portion of the illuminating guidewire is disconnected from the power source; and the working device is removed from the patient and from the guidewire. Optionally, an implant can be left at the target location.

[0064] In at least one embodiment, a second working device is advanced over the guidewire after removing the first working device therefrom, so that a proximal end of the guidewire extends proximally from the second working device. Then the proximal end portion of the illuminating guidewire is reconnected to the power source so that the distal end portion of the guidewire again emits light. In at least one embodiment, the illuminating guidewire includes at least one illumination fiber extending from a proximal end of the guidewire to the distal end portion, and the power source is a light source. In at least one embodiment, the illuminating guidewire includes at least one laser fiber extending from a proximal end of the guidewire to the distal end portion, and the power source is a laser light source. In at least one embodiment, the illuminating guidewire includes a light emitting diode at the distal end portion and electrical wires extending through the guidewire, electrically connecting the light emitting diode to the power source, and wherein the power source is an electrical power source.

[0065] A method for diagnosing and/or treating sinusitis or another disorder affecting a nose, a sinus or other anatomical structure of the ear, nose or throat in a human or animal patient is provided, including the steps of: advancing an introducing device through the nose and to a position where the distal end of the introducing device is near an opening of a sinus; advancing a distal end portion of an illuminating device that emits light from the distal end portion thereof through the introducing device while a proximal end of the illuminating device is connected to a power source; and monitoring a position of the distal end portion of the illuminating device distally of the distal end of the introducing device, by observing transillumination on an external surface of the patient that results from the light emitted by the distal end portion. The light emitted can be a desired wavelength in the visible spectrum and/or infrared spectrum.

[0066] In at least one embodiment, the distal end portion of the illuminating device is advanced through the opening of the sinus; and placement of the distal end portion of the illuminating device in the sinus is confirmed by observing the transillumination resulting from the light emitted from the distal end portion of the illuminating device that occurs on the external surface of the patient, and correlating the location of the observed transillumination on the external surface of the patient with an internal location of the patient that underlies the location of observed transillumination. In at least one embodiment, the external surface on which the transillumination is observed is on the face of the patient. In at least one embodiment, the external surface on which the transillumination is observed is on the palate of the patient. In at least one embodiment the illuminating device comprises an illuminating guidewire, and a working device is provided that is positionable in an operative location and useable to perform a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure there. The proximal end of the illuminating guidewire is disconnected from the power source, while maintaining the distal end portion of the illuminating guidewire in its current position, and the working device is advanced over the guidewire so that a proximal end of the guidewire extends proximally from the working device. The proximal end of the illuminating guidewire is then reconnected to the power source so that the distal end portion of the guidewire again emits light. The working device is further advanced to position a working end of the working device at the operative location, and a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure is performed with the working device at the operative location. In at least one embodiment, the operative location is the opening to the Sinus.

[0067] An illuminating guidewire device is provided, including: a flexible distal end portion; a relatively less flexible proximal end portion; at least one light emitting element in the distal end portion; and at least one structure extending from a proximal end of the device through the proximal end portion and at least part of the distal end portion to connect the at least one light emitting element with a power source located proximally of the device.

[0068] In at least one embodiment, the at least one light emitting element comprises a distal end of at least one illumination fiber, and the at least one structure comprises the at least one illumination fiber running proximally of the distal end of the fiber to the proximal end of the device. In at least one embodiment, the power source is a light source. In at least one embodiment, the at least one light emitting element of the illuminating guidewire comprises a distal end of at least one laser fiber, and the at least one structure comprises the at least one laser fiber running proximally from the distal end of the fiber to the proximal end of said device. In at least one embodiment, the power source is a laser light source. In at least one embodiment, the at least one light emitting element comprises a light emitting diode, and the at least one structure comprises at least one electrical wire electrically connected to the light emitting diode and extending proximally of the light emitting diode to the proximal end of the device. In at least one embodiment, the power source is an electrical power source. In at least one embodiment, the distal end portion of the guidewire has an outside diameter configured and dimensioned to pass through an ostium of a sinus. In at least one embodiment, the distal end portion of the guidewire has an outside diameter less than about 0.038 inches. In at least one embodiment, the distal end portion of the guidewire has an outside diameter of about 0.035″±0.005″. In at least one embodiment, the illuminating guidewire has a maximum outside diameter of less than about 0.038 inches. In at least one embodiment, the illuminating guidewire has a maximum outside diameter of less than about 0.035 inches. In at least one embodiment, the illuminating guidewire has a maximum outside diameter of about 0.035″±0.005″. In at least one embodiment, the distal end portion of the device comprises a flexible coil. In at least one embodiment, the distal end portion further comprises a core support extending internally of the coil. In at least one embodiment, the core support is fixed to the coil. In at least one embodiment, a core support extending within the distal and proximal end portions of the device. In at least one embodiment, the core support extends within substantially the full length of the distal and proximal end portions. In at least one embodiment, the distal end portion of the device includes a bend, such that a proximal part of the distal end portion is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the device, and a distal part of the distal end portion is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis. In at least one embodiment, the distal end of at least one illumination fiber is configured to emit light from a distal tip of the distal end portion of the device. The distal tip can be designed to either focus or distribute the light to achieve maximum transillumination. The distal tip can include a lens, prism or diffracting element. In at least one embodiment, the distal end of at least one illumination fiber is positioned proximally of a distal tip of the distal end portion of the device. In at least one embodiment, a flexible distal portion of the distal end portion extends distally of the distal end of the at least one illumination fiber. In at least one embodiment, the distal end of at least one laser fiber is configured to emit light from a distal tip of the distal end portion of the device. In at least one embodiment, the distal end of at least one laser fiber is positioned proximally of a distal tip of the distal end portion of the device. In at least one embodiment, a flexible distal portion of the distal end portion extends distally of the distal end of at least one illumination fiber. In at least one embodiment, a light emitting diode is mounted at a distal tip of the distal end portion of the device. In at least one embodiment, a light emitting diode is positioned proximally of a distal tip of the distal end portion of the device. In at least one embodiment, a flexible distal portion of the distal end portion extends distally of the light emitting diode. In at least one embodiment, an electrical power source is removably, electrically connected to at least one structure to provide electrical power to at least one light emitting element. In at least one embodiment, at least one light conducting tube delivers light from a proximal end portion of the device to a distal and of the tube, where it is emitted. In at least one embodiment, each light conducting tube is sealed in a proximal end of the device. In at least one embodiment, each light emitting element is sealed at a distal tip of the device. In at least one embodiment, a quick release connector is mounted over at least part of the proximal end portion of the guidewire. The quick release connector is adapted to be connected to a power source and to quickly connect to and release from the proximal end portion of the guidewire. In at least one embodiment, the quick release connector is optically coupled with a light source. In at least one embodiment, the proximal end portion of the quick release connector is adapted to connect with a light source. In at least one embodiment, the proximal end portion of the quick release connector comprises an ACMI light post. In at least one embodiment, the connector is rotatable with respect to a light channel extending from a light source, when the connector is connected to the light channel. In at least one embodiment, the light cable comprises a fluid filled light cable. In at least one embodiment, a distal end portion of the connector comprises an opening configured to slidably receive the proximal end portion of the guidewire device; and a quick release locking mechanism is configured to fix the proximal end portion received in the connector. In at least one embodiment, the quick release locking mechanism is movable between an unlocked configuration in which the proximal end portion can be slid from the connector to disconnect therefrom, and a locked configuration that maintains the proximal end portion in connection with the connector. In at least one embodiment, the quick release locking mechanism is biased toward the locked configuration. In at least one embodiment, a radiopaque marker is provided on the distal end portion of the guidewire. In at least one embodiment, an electromagnetic coil is provided at the distal end portion of the guidewire. Alternatively, a magnet, radiofrequency emitter or ultrasound crystal can be provided at the distal end portion of the guidewire.

[0069] An illuminating device is provided, including a distal end portion having an outside diameter configured and dimensioned to pass through an ostium of a sinus, at least one light emitting element in the distal end portion, and at least one structure extending from a proximal end of the device through the proximal end portion and at least part of the distal end portion to connect the at least one light emitting element with a power source.

[0070] In at least one embodiment, the illuminating device comprises an illuminating guidewire. In at least one embodiment, the illuminating device comprises an ostium seeker device, and the distal end portion is rigid or malleable. In at least one embodiment, the illuminating device comprises an ostium seeker device, and the distal end portion comprises a ball tip at a distal end thereof. In at least one embodiment, the illuminating device comprises a sinus suction instrument, and the distal end portion further comprises a suction lumen configured and adapted to apply suction therethrough. In at least one embodiment, the illuminating device comprises an integrated wire dilatation catheter, wherein an integrated illuminating guidewire extends distally of a distal end of a dilatation catheter of the device.

[0071] An illuminating guidewire device is provided including: a guidewire including an elongated main body having a flexible distal end portion and a relatively less flexible proximal end portion; at least one light conducting channel extending the length of the elongated body, and configured and dimensioned to deliver light from a proximal end of the guidewire to a distal end of the guidewire and to emit light from the distal end of the guidewire.

[0072] In at least one embodiment, the at least one light conducting channel comprises at least one illumination fiber. In at least one embodiment, the at least one light conducting channel comprises at least two illumination fibers. In at least one embodiment, the illumination fibers are formed of plastic. In at least one embodiment, the at least one illumination fiber is formed of glass. In at least one embodiment, the at least one light conducting channel comprises at least one laser fiber. In at least one embodiment, a quick release connector is mounted over at least part of the proximal end portion of the elongated body, and is adapted to be connected to a light channel extending from a light source; and to quickly connect to and release from the proximal end portion of the elongated body. In at least one embodiment, the quick release connector is optically coupled with the light source. In at least one embodiment, a proximal end portion of the connector comprises a tapering light channel configured to adapt a relatively larger inside diameter of the light channel to a relatively smaller diameter of the proximal end of the elongated body. In at least one embodiment, a proximal end portion of the quick release connector is adapted to connect with a light source. In at least one embodiment, the proximal end portion of the quick release connector includes an ACMI light post. In at least one embodiment, the connector is rotatable with respect to the light channel extending from the light source, when the connector is connected to the light channel. In at least one embodiment, the distal end portion of the connector comprises an opening configured to slidably receive the proximal end portion of the elongated body, and a quick release locking mechanism is configured to fix the proximal end portion received in the connector. In at least one embodiment, the quick release locking mechanism, in a locked configuration, maintains a proximal end of the elongated body in alignment with a distal end of the tapering light channel of the connector. In at least one embodiment, the quick release locking mechanism is movable between an unlocked configuration in which the proximal end portion can be slid from the connector to disconnect therefrom, and a locked configuration that maintains the proximal end portion in connection with the connector. In at least one embodiment, a core support extends at least within the distal end portion of the elongated body of the guidewire. In at least one embodiment, the core support further extends within the proximal end portion.

[0073] An illuminating guide wire device is provided, including: a guidewire having an elongated main body with a flexible distal end portion and a relatively less flexible proximal end portion; a light emitting diode mounted in the distal end portion and configured to emit light from a distal tip of the distal end portion; and at least one electrical wire extending the length of the elongated body, being electrically connected to the light emitting diode, and extending proximally of a proximal end of the elongated body.

[0074] In at least one embodiment, the illuminating guidewire device includes at least two such electrical wires. In at least one embodiment, a core support extends at least within the distal end portion of the elongated body. In at least one embodiment, the core support further extends within the proximal end portion. In at least one embodiment, a radiopaque marker is provided on the distal end portion. In at least one embodiment, an electromagnetic coil is provided on the distal end portion.

[0075] An illuminating guidewire device is provided, including: a guidewire having a flexible distal end portion, a relatively less flexible proximal end portion, and a transparent portion interconnecting the distal and proximal end portions; a least one light emitting element mounted in the guidewire and configured to emit light through the transparent portion; and at least one structure extending from a proximal end of the device through the proximal end portion and connecting with the at least one light emitting element.

[0076] In at least one embodiment, the transparent portion comprises a clear tube. In at least one embodiment, the clear tube includes cut out windows therein. In at least one embodiment, the transparent portion comprises a plurality of struts interconnecting the proximal and distal end portions of the guidewire. In at least one embodiment, a deflector is mounted distally of the at least one light emitting element in the transparent portion. In at least one embodiment, a quick release connector is mounted over at least part of the proximal end portion, and is adapted to be connected to a light channel extending from a light source, and to quickly connect to and release from the proximal end portion of the guidewire. In at least one embodiment, a core support extends at least within the distal end portion. In at least one embodiment, the core support further extends within the proximal end portion.

[0077] A quick release connector for use with an illuminating guidewire is provided to include: a main body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion; a channel in the distal end portion and opening to a distal end of the main body, wherein the channel is configured and dimensioned to slidably receive a proximal end portion of the illuminating guidewire; and a quick release locking mechanism configured to assume a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein when in the locked position, the quick release locking mechanism fixes the proximal end portion of the illuminating guide wire in the channel.

[0078] In at least one embodiment, the quick release locking mechanism is biased to the locked position. In at least one embodiment, upon inserting the proximal end portion of the illuminating guidewire into the channel, the proximal end portion contacts portions of the quick release locking mechanism, driving the portions apart to allow the proximal end portion to be slid into the channel. In at least one embodiment, the quick release locking mechanism comprises a locking arm that extends into the channel and a portion that extends out of the housing, wherein the portion extending out of the housing is manually retractable to move the locking arm from the locked position to the unlocked position. In at least one embodiment, the quick release locking mechanism includes at least two locking arms provided circumferentially about the distal end portion of the main body of the connector. In at least one embodiment, the quick release locking mechanism comprises a pin vise. In at least one embodiment, the proximal end portion of the connector is adapted to be connected to a light channel extending from a light source. In at least one embodiment, the proximal end portion of the main body is optically coupled with a light source. In at least one embodiment, the proximal end portion of the main body includes a tapering light channel configured to adapt a relatively larger inside diameter of a light channel to a relatively smaller diameter of the proximal end of the illuminating guidewire. In at least one embodiment, the proximal end portion of the main body comprises an ACMI light post. In at least one embodiment, the quick release connector is rotatable with respect to a light channel extending from a light source, when the connector is connected to the light channel.

[0079] These and other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent to those persons skilled in the art upon reading the details of the devices, methods and systems as more fully described below. Further aspects, details and embodiments of the present invention will be understood by those of skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings.

[0188] The following detailed description and the accompanying drawings are intended to describe some, but not necessarily all, examples or embodiments of the invention only and does not limit the scope of the invention in any way.

[0189] Before the present devices and methods are described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims.

[0190] Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limits of that range is also specifically disclosed. Each smaller range between any stated value or intervening value in a stated range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included or excluded in the range, and each range where either, neither or both limits are included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the invention.

[0191] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described. All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited.

[0192] It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a tube” includes a plurality of such tubes and reference to “the shaft” includes reference to one or more shafts and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth.

[0193] The publications discussed herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from the actual publication dates which may need to be independently confirmed.

[0194] A number of the drawings in this patent application show anatomical structures of the ear, nose and throat. In general, these anatomical structures are labeled with the following reference letters:

[0195] Nasal Cavity NC

[0196] Nasopharynx NP

[0197] Superior Turbinate ST

[0198] Middle Turbinate MT

[0199] Inferior Turbinate IT

[0200] Frontal Sinus FS

[0201] Ethmoid Sinus ES

[0202] Sphenoid Sinus SS

[0203] Sphenoid Sinus Ostium SSO

[0204] Maxillary Sinus MS

[0205] The human nose has right and left nostrils or nares which lead into separate right and left nasal cavities. The right and left nasal cavities are separated by the intranasal septum, which is formed substantially of cartilage and bone. Posterior to the intranasal septum, the nasal cavities converge into a single nasopharyngeal cavity. The right and left Eustachian tubes (i.e., auditory tubes) extend from the middle ear on each side of the head to openings located on the lateral aspects of the nasopharynx. The nasopharynx extends inferiorly over the uvula and into the pharynx. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, paranasal sinuses are formed in the facial bones on either side of the face. The paranasal sinuses open, through individual openings or ostia, into the nasal cavities. The paranasal sinuses include frontal sinuses FS, ethmoid sinuses ES, sphenoidal sinuses SS and maxillary sinuses MS.

[0206] The present invention provides a comprehensive system of devices and associated methods for diagnosing and treating disorders of the ears, nose and throat in a less invasive fashion than current day approaches. Specifically, examples of which are described below, the invention provides devices that wholly or partially effect a fluid-tight seal of the operative field (e.g., the nasopharynx and/or one or more of the sinus cavities or regional ducts). This fluid-tight sealing of the operative field allows the cavities, ducts and passageways to be imaged using fluid/gas based agents in combination with various imaging modalities without the risk of aspiration or uncontrolled leakage of fluid from the operative field. Further, this fluid-tight sealing of the operative field permits the retention and collection of any blood or flushing fluids released during the procedure. Another aspect of the invention is a set of methods and devices useable to assess the static and dynamic nature of the paranasal sinuses and to provide for the guidance of specific therapies to particular sinuses or particular target regions (e.g., stenotic sinus ostia, infected tissues within sinuses, tumors, other target structures). Another aspect of the invention is the use of devices and methods which are designed for minimally invasive entry into the sinus passageways or regional ducts under image and/or endoscopic guidance to provide local therapy such as dilation, ablation, resection, injection, implantation, etc., to the region of concern. These devices and methods may be disposable or temporary in their application, or they may be implantable with on-going functionality (such as implantable drug delivery systems, cochlear implants, etc.). In a number of embodiments, the present invention utilizes flexible catheters and various working devices that are mounted on or delivered through elongate flexible members or catheters, to diagnose and treat a wide range of ear, nose and throat disorders, including nasal polyps, sinusitis, enlarged turbinates, deviated septum, tumors, infections, deformities, etc., The following pages describe a number of specific devices and methods that are useable in accordance with this invention. It is to be understood that any component, element, limitation, attribute or step described in relation to any particular device or method described herebelow, may be incorporated in or used with any other device or method of the present invention unless to do so would render the resultant device or method unusable for its intended purpose.

[0207] A. Occluders and Access Port Devices

[0208] Many of the procedures of the present invention require the insertion and positioning of one or more flexible catheters or other flexible elongate working devices (examples of which are shown in FIGS. 5A-5Y¹¹¹¹¹ and described herebelow) within the nose, nasopharynx, middle ear or paranasal sinuses. To facilitate the insertion and proper positioning of such catheters and/or other elongate working devices and to prevent undesirable drainage of blood or debris from the operative site, the present invention includes a number of different occluder and/or access port devices, examples of which are shown in FIGS. 2A-2R, that are inserted through the nose and/or oral cavity and function to a) prevent unwanted drainage or escape of fluid (e.g., gas or liquid) and b) facilitate the insertion and positioning of guides and working devices, examples of such working devices being shown in FIGS. 5A-5Y¹¹¹¹¹ and 6A-6E.

[0209] FIGS. 2A-2B show partial sectional views of opposite sides of the head of a human patient having an anterior/posterior occluder & access device 10 inserted through the right nasal cavity and anterior occluder & access device 12 positioned in the anterior region of the left nasal cavity. Specifically, FIG. 2A shows the nasal cavity, the right side of the nasopharynx and the associated paranasal sinuses, with an anterior/posterior occluder & access device 10 of the present invention inserted therein. The anterior/posterior occluder & access device 10 comprises an anterior occluder 14 which occludes the right nasal cavity on the right side of the nasal septum, a posterior occluder 18 that occludes the posterior choanae, nasopharynx or pharynx posterior to the nasal septum (but typically superior to the glottis) and a tube 16 that extends between the anterior occluder 14 and posterior occluder 18. Devices for posterior occlusion and anterior occlusion may be used alone or in combination. They may be coaxially deployed or alternatively they may be deployed in a singular fashion, one in each orifice. It should be noted that any combination of these sealing modalities may be employed to achieve one or more of the stated objectives. A cross-section through the tube 16 is shown in FIG. 2C. Other cross-sectional configurations could also be possible, including those that comprise more lumens to permit the passage of multiple devices or fluids (e.g., liquid or gases). In some embodiments, it may be desirable for the device 10 (or any of the other occluder/access devices described herein) to have separate lumens for infusion and aspiration, thereby allowing for concurrent infusion of an irrigation fluid or other fluid and suctioning of the irrigation fluid or other fluid from the operative field. Such continuous turnover of fluid within a sealed operative field may be useful for clearing blood or debris from the operative field to facilitate unobstructed viewing of the anatomical structures using an endoscope or for various other reasons. A port body 28 as attached to the proximal end of the tube 16. A device insertion aperture 30 extends through the port body 28 into working lumen 50 of tube 16. One or more outlet openings 22, 24 are at location(s) in the tube such that a device (e.g., a catheter, fluid injector or other elongate device examples of which are shown in FIGS. A-5Y¹¹¹¹ and described herebelow) or fluid(s) may be inserted into the device insertion opening 30, advanced through the working lumen 50 and out of a selected one of the outlet openings 22, 24 to a position within the nose, nasopharynx or paranasal sinus. In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 2A the anterior and posterior 10 occluders 14, 18 comprise balloons, but various other types of occluders could be used in place of balloons, examples of which are shown in FIGS. 3A-3K and described herebelow. Balloon inflation/deflation lumens 52, 56 extends from proximal Luer connectors 32, 36, through the tube 16 and to the anterior occluder 14 and posterior occluder 18, respectively. Thus, a syringe or other fluid 15 expelling and/or withdrawing device may be connected to connector 32 and used to selectively inflate and/or deflate the anterior occluder 14. Another syringe or other fluid expelling and/or withdrawing device may be connected to connector 36 and used to selectively inflate and/or deflate the posterior occluder 18. As may be appreciated from the showing of FIG. 26, the posterior occluder (when fully inflated) may be sized and shaped to occlude the entire posterior choanae, nasopharynx or pharynx posterior to the nasal septum (but typically superior to the glottis), thereby preventing blood or other fluid or debris from draining into the patient's pharynx from either the right or left nasal cavity. When fully inflated, the anterior occluder 14 of the device 10 occludes only the right nasal cavity and serves to prevent blood, other fluid or debris from draining around the tube 16 and out of the right nostril during the operative procedure. A one-way valve, such as a flapper valve, duckbill valve, hemostatic valve or other one way valve of the type well known in the art of biomedical device design, may be positioned within the port body 28 to permit a catheter or other elongate device (examples of which are shown in FIGS. 5A-5T and described herebelow) to be advanced in the distal direction though insertion port 30, through the port body 28 and through the working lumen 50 but to prevent blood, other fluid or debris from draining through the working lumen 50 out of the device insertion port 30. In this manner, the device 10 forms a substantially fluid tight anterior seal in the anterior aspect of the right nasal cavity and a substantially fluid tight posterior seal in the posterior choanae, nasopharynx or pharynx posterior to the nasal septum (but typically superior to the glottis). Since a substantially fluid tight seal is formed, one or more valves (not shown) may be provided to relieve positive or negative pressure created between the anterior or posterior occluders 14, 18 as a result of the injection of matter (e.g., contrast medium, irrigation solution, medicament, etc.) into the operative field and/or suctioning or removal of matter (e.g., blood, other fluid or debris) from the operative field. Additionally, a suction lumen 54 may extend from suction Luer connector 34, through suction lumen 54 and to suction openings 26 may be formed in the tube 16. A suction pump may be connected to the suction connector 34 to aspirate blood, other fluid and/or debris out of the right nasal operative region defined between anterior occluder 14 and posterior occluder 18. It should be appreciated that, while the occlusion/access devices shown in the drawings and described herein are designed to isolate a relatively large operative field (e.g., one or both nasal cavities, sinus, nasal cavities-nasopharynx, etc.), once a specific problem has been diagnosed and/or once a specific target region has been identified, the occluders 14, 18 may be repositioned and/or other occluder devices may be inserted to isolate and form a fluid tight seal of just a portion of the original operative field (e.g., just one sinus, one nasal cavity, one Eustachian tube, etc.) thereby allowing the procedure to go forward with only the necessary region(s) of the nose, nasopharynx, paranasal sinuses or other structures sealed off and/or instrumented, to minimize trauma and improve patient comfort.

[0210] It should be appreciated that in any embodiment of an anterior/posterior occluder & access device, such as the device 10 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the distance between the anterior occluder 14 and posterior occluder 18 may be adjustable so as to accommodate variations in anatomy and/or specific target regions or isolated operative fields of interest. The anterior and posterior occluders 14, 18 may be separate devices where the anterior occluder may slide or pass through one lumen of the posterior occluder, which may contain several lumens (e.g., inflation, working channel, irrigation, etc.), and may or may not be integrated with the posterior occluder. The posterior occluder may also contain several lumens (e.g., inflation, working channel, irrigation, etc.). Additionally, all lumens for both the anterior and posterior occluders may contain valves so as to prevent leakage or flow of gas, fluid, blood, etc.

[0211] It is to be further appreciated that in embodiments that have anterior and posterior outlet openings 22, 24 (as shown in the example of FIGS. 2A-2B) tools, instrumentation and fluids may be delivered via either of the posterior or anterior access ports 22, 24. In some cases, access via a posterior outlet 24 is desirable to gain a better perspective on the target anatomical lumen or lumen (i.e., openings to the ethmoid cells).

[0212] As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2D, in some procedures wherein the anterior/posterior occluder & access device 10 is inserted through one nasal cavity, it may be desirable to position a separate anterior occluder & access device 12 within the opposite nasal cavity to prevent drainage of blood, other fluid or debris from the other nostril and to facilitate insertion of catheters or other elongate devices (examples of which are shown in FIGS. 5A-5T and described herebelow) into the left nasal cavity and the paranasal sinuses or other anatomical, structures accessible from the other nasal cavity. As shown, in FIG. 2B, the anterior occluder & access device 12 may comprise a tube 41 having an anterior occluder 40 and a port body 42 attached thereto. A device insertion aperture 44 extends through the port body 42 and through a working lumen 58 of tube 41 to an outlet aperture in the distal end of tube 41. A one-way valve (such as the valve described hereabove in connection with the anterior/posterior occluder & access device 10) may optionally be provided within port body 42 to prevent draining of blood, other fluid or debris out of insertion aperture 44. In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 2B and 2D, the anterior occluder 40 is a balloon, but such occluder 40 may be of various other constructions, examples of which are shown in FIGS. 3A-3M¹¹ and described herebelow. To facilitate inflation and deflation of this balloon type anterior occluder 40, a balloon inflation/deflation lumen 60 extends from Luer connector 48, through tube 41 to the balloon-type anterior occluder 40. A syringe or other fluid expelling and/or withdrawing device may be connected to connector 48 and used to selectively inflate and/or deflate the anterior occluder 40. Optionally, a side tube and Luer connector 46 may be connected to the working lumen 58 of tube 41 to allow blood, other fluid and debris to be suctioned from the left nasal cavity through the working lumen 58 of tube 41. In some embodiments, dedicated suction and/or irrigation lumen(s) with separate suction and/or irrigation ports may be formed in tube 41 in a manner similar to that described hereabove with respect to the anterior/posterior occluder & access device 10.

[0213] FIGS. 2E-2H show an alternative system for occlusion and access, wherein anterior occluder & access device(s) 12 is/are positioned in one or both nostrils or nasal cavities and an orally insertable posterior occluder device 300 is inserted through the patient's oral cavity and positioned so as to occlude the posterior choanae, nasopharynx or pharynx posterior to the nasal septum (but typically superior to the glottis). The embodiment of the orally insertable posterior occluder device 300 shown in FIGS. 2E-2G comprises a curved tube 302 having an occluder 304 positioned at or near the distal end thereof. The device 300 is configured such that it may be inserted through the patient's oral cavity to a position where the occluder 304 is located within, and disposed, so as to substantially occlude the posterior choanae, nasopharynx or pharynx posterior to the nasal septum (but typically superior to the glottis). The posterior occluder 304 may also be positioned next to the Eustachian tube to block the Eustachian tube, thereby preventing fluid from tracking into the Eustachian tube during the procedure (if access to the Eustachian tube or middle ear or inner ear is not desired). Further, it may be necessary to place specific targeted balloons or occluders in ducts or channels which are not intended to be intervened upon (lacrimal ducts, Eustachian tubes, etc.). In such cases, these extra ductal occluders serve to prevent aberrant fluid/gas loss and/or to maintain the integrity of the lumen, while other nearby structures are being modified. In the particular example shown in FIGS. 2E-2G, the occluder 304 comprises a balloon. However, such occluder 304 may be constructed in various alternative ways, examples of which are shown in FIGS. 3A-3K and described herebelow. As may be appreciated from the cross-sectional showing of FIG. 2F, in this example, a balloon inflation/deflation lumen 318 may extend from Luer connector 314, through tube 302 to the balloon-type occluder 304. A syringe or other inflation/deflation apparatus may be attached to the Luer connector 314 and used to inflate and deflate the balloon 304. A stopcock or other valve (not shown) may also be provided on balloon inflation tube 318 to maintain inflation of the balloon when desired. In routine use, the occluder 304 is initially deflated and the device 300 is inserted through the oral cavity and advanced to its desired position with the deflated occluder positioned within the posterior choanae, nasopharynx or pharynx posterior to the nasal septum (but typically superior to the glottis). Thereafter, the occluder 304 may be expanded (e.g., inflated) such that it occludes or blocks the posterior choanae, nasopharynx or pharynx posterior to the nasal septum (but typically superior to the glottis), thereby substantially preventing blood, other fluid or debris from draining into the patient's esophagus or trachea during the procedure. In some cases, as shown in FIGS. 2E-2H, the tube 302 may have one or more lumen(s) 310 that extend(s) through the occluder 304 and open(s) through an opening 310 distal to the balloon. Working devices, such as catheters or other elongate devices examples of which are shown in FIGS. 5A-5Y“′” and described herebelow may be advanced through such a lumen 310 and into the patient's nasopharynx, nasal cavities, paranasal sinuses, middle ears, etc., Alternatively, suction may be applied to such a lumen 310 to suction blood, other fluid or debris from the area superior to the occluder 304. In some cases, the lumen 310 shown may be divided into a working lumen and a suction lumen. The suction lumen may terminate in separate suction port(s) (not shown) at the distal end of the tube and a connector (not shown) at the proximal end, such that suction may be applied through a lumen that is separate from the lumen through which the working device(s) is/are passed. A port body 306 may be positioned on the proximal end of the tube 302. A device insertion port 308 may extend through the port body 306 into a lumen 310 of the tube 302. A one-way valve, such as a flapper valve, duckbill valve, hemostatic valve or other one-way valve of the type well known in the art of biomedical device design, may be positioned within the port body 306 to permit a catheter or other elongate device to be advanced in the distal direction though insertion port 308, through the port body 306 and through a lumen 310 but to prevent blood, other fluid or debris from draining through the lumen 310 and out of the device insertion port 308. In some cases, the orally insertable posterior occluder device 300 may be used without any anterior occluder device(s) positioned in the nostril(s) or nasal cavity(ies). In other cases, it will be desirable to use this orally insertable posterior occluder device 300 in combination with one or two anterior occluder & access devices 12 as shown in the example of FIGS. 2G and 2H. The use of these devices 300, 12 in combination serves to establish a substantially fluid tight operative field between the posterior occluder 304 and the anterior occluder(s) 40 while allowing various catheters and other operative instruments to be inserted into the operative field through optional access ports 44 and/or 308.

[0214] FIGS. 2I-2L show a transnasally insertable posterior occluder device 301 that does not include any anterior occluder. This device 301 comprises a curved tube 303 having an occluder 305 positioned at or near the distal end of the tube 303. As shown in FIGS. 2K-2L, this device 301 is inserted through either the right or left nasal cavity and advanced to a position where the occluder 305 substantially occludes the posterior choanae, nasopharynx or pharynx posterior to the nasal septum (but typically superior to the glottis). In the particular example shown, this occluder 305 comprises a balloon. However, such occluder 305 may be constructed in various alternative ways, examples of which are shown in FIGS. 3A-3K and described herebelow. As may be appreciated from the cross-sectional showing of FIG. 2J, in this example a balloon inflation/deflation lumen 317 may extend from Luer connector 311, through tube 303 to the balloon-type occluder 305. A syringe or other inflation/deflation apparatus may be attached to the Luer connector 311 and used to inflate and deflate the balloon-type occluder 305. A stopcock or other valve (not shown) may also be provided on balloon inflation lumen 317 to maintain inflation of the balloon when desired. In routine use, the occluder 305 is initially deflated and the device 301 is inserted through the right or left nasal cavity and advanced to its desired position where the deflated occluder 305 is positioned within the posterior choanae, nasopharynx or pharynx posterior to the nasal septum (but typically superior to the glottis). Thereafter, the occluder 305 may be expanded (e.g., inflated) such that it occludes or blocks the posterior choanae, nasopharynx or pharynx posterior to the nasal septum (but typically superior to the glottis), thereby substantially preventing blood, other fluid or debris from draining into the patient's esophagus or trachea during the procedure. Optionally, distal suction ports 309 and/or proximal suction ports 307 may open into lumen 315 of the tube 303 and such lumen 315 may be attached to a suction connector 313. In this manner, suction may be applied to remove blood, other fluid or debris from the nasopharynx superior to the occluder 305 and/or from the nasal cavity through which the device 3301 is inserted. As may be appreciated from the showings of FIGS. 2K and 2L, in this example, the transnasal posterior occluder device 301 is inserted through the right nasal cavity. A working device WD such as a catheter or other elongate operative apparatus (examples of which are shown in FIGS. 5A-5Y¹¹¹¹¹ and described herebelow) may be advanced into the right nasal cavity adjacent to the tube 303 or through the left nasal cavity which remains open, as no anterior occlusion is provided by this transnasal posterior occluder device 301. This arrangement may be particularly suitable for procedures where the physician desires to directly visualize, through the nostril(s), the anatomical structures within the nose, such as the inferior, middle or superior turbinates IT, MT, ST, as shown in FIGS. 2K-2L.

[0215] FIGS. 2M-2N show a modified version of the transnasal posterior occluder 301 a which includes all of the elements described above with respect to the transnasal posterior occluder device 301 shown in FIGS. 2I-2L, as well as a distal extension 303a of the tube 303 that extends distal to the occluder 305 and an additional proximal connector 319. A separate lumen (not shown) extends from connector 319 through tube 303 and through distal tube extension 303a, which terminates in a distal end opening 321. Suction may thus be applied to connector 319 to suction matter through distal opening 321, through the distal tube extension 303a and through tube 303. This distal tube extension 303a and additional lumen may be optionally added to any other the other posterior occluder devices described herein in cases where doing so would not render the device unsuitable for its intended application.

[0216] FIGS. 2O-2P show an alternative posterior occluder system 400 that comprises an intranasal catheter 402 that is inserted into a nasal cavity and an occluder catheter 404 that is inserted through the intranasal catheter 402, as shown. A posterior occluder 406 is located at or near the distal end of the occluder catheter 404. In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 2O-2P, the occluder 406 is sized and configured to occlude the posterior choanae, nasopharynx or pharynx posterior to the nasal septum (but typically superior to the glottis). In the particular example shown, this occluder 406 comprises a balloon. However, such occluder 406 may be constructed in various alternative ways, examples of which are shown in FIGS. 3A-3K and described herebelow. In this example a balloon inflation/deflation lumen may extend from Luer connector 408, through occluder catheter 404 and to the balloon-type proximal occluder 406. A syringe or other inflation/deflation apparatus may be attached to the Luer connector 408 and used to inflate and deflate the balloon-type posterior occluder 406. A stopcock or other valve (not shown) may also be provided on the balloon inflation/deflation lumen to maintain inflation of the balloon-type posterior occluder 406, when desired. Optionally, distal tubular extension 412 may extend distally of the posterior occluder 406 and a separate lumen may extend from an optional second connector 410, through distal tubular extension 412 and through an opening 414 such that matter may also be aspirated from the area distal to the posterior occluder 406. A port body 418 is formed on the proximal end of the intranasal tube 402. An insertion port 420 extends through port body 418 into the lumen 422 of the intranasal tube. A side suction port 416 may also be connected to the lumen 422 of the intranasal tube 402. In routine operation, the intranasal tube 402 is inserted through the nostril into one nasal cavity and advanced to a position where its distal end is within or near the posterior choanae or nasopharynx. With the posterior occluder 406 in a collapsed (e.g., deflated) configuration, the occluder catheter 404 is advanced through the lumen 422 of the intranasal catheter 402 to a position where the posterior occluder is located in the posterior choanae, nasopharynx or pharynx posterior to the nasal septum (but typically superior to the glottis). Thereafter, the posterior occluder 406 may be expanded (e.g., inflated) such that it occludes or blocks the posterior choanae, nasopharynx or pharynx posterior to the nasal septum (but typically superior to the glottis), thereby substantially preventing blood, other fluid or debris from draining into the patient's esophagus or trachea during the procedure. Thereafter, suction may be applied to suction port 416 to suction blood, other fluid or debris from the area proximal to the posterior occluder 406. During such suctioning, the intranasal tube 402 may be moved back and/or forth as indicated by arrows on FIG. 2O, while the occluder catheter 404 remains stationary. Such ability to move the intranasal catheter 402 during the suctioning process may facilitate complete removal of blood, other fluid and/or debris from the operative field.

[0217] FIGS. 2Q and 2R show a modified posterior occluder system 430, which includes the same elements and components as the posterior occluder system 400 described above, but wherein the distal end 434 of the intranasal tube 402a is tapered and wherein a plurality of side apertures 432 are formed in the intranasal tube 402a such that blood, other fluid or debris may be aspirated into the lumen 422a of the intranasal tube 402a through such side apertures 432.

[0218] B. Variations in Occluder Design and Suction Apparatus:

[0219] Although the above-described examples of occluder/access devices 10, 12, 300, 400 show occluders that are in nature of inflatable balloons, it will be appreciated that these occluders are not limited to balloons and may be of various other designs and types. Further, it is to be understood that various arrangements of access and/or suction tubing/port(s) may be used to facilitate in complete removal of blood, fluid or other debris from the areas adjacent to the occluder(s) and/or elsewhere in the operative field or optimal positioning of working devices within the operative field. In fact, certain occluder and/or suction-access tubing/port designs may be more desirable for certain procedures than others depending on a number of factors including the positioning of the patient's head during surgery, whether the patient will be under a general anesthetic, whether an endotracheal tube will be inserted, etc., In some cases, where a posterior occluder is positioned within the posterior choanae, nasopharynx or pharynx posterior to the nasal septum the completeness with which blood, other fluid or debris may be suctioned out of the area adjacent to that posterior occluder may depend on the shape and/or design of the occluder itself as well as the shape and location of the suction lumen(s) and port(s) through which the blood, fluid or debris is to be suctioned. Beyond optimized fluid control, the posterior occluder and/or associated access tubing may also serve as an essential guiding element for devices, and alternative shapes and trajectories may be particularly useful to access specific structures. FIGS. 3A-3K show examples of varied occluder types and variations in the arrangements of suction lumen(s) and port(s) through which the blood, fluid or debris may be suctioned from areas adjacent to the occluder or elsewhere within the operative field. The examples shown in FIGS. 3A and 3K may be incorporated into the occluder & access devices shown in FIGS. 2A-2R, when appropriate.

[0220] FIG. 3A shows an occluder 446 mounted on a tube 442, wherein a generally “U” shaped curve is formed in the distal end of the tube such that a distal portion of the tube 442 passes beneath the upper surface 449 of the occluder 446 and curves upwardly such that the distal end of the tube 442 terminates in an opening 444 that is flush with the upper surface 449 of occluder 446. In this manner, any fluid that has accumulated adjacent to the upper surface 449 of occluder 446 may be suctioned into opening 444 and through tube 442. In embodiments where the occluder comprises a balloon, a balloon inflation lumen may extend through the tube and open through an opening 447 into the interior of the balloon, to permit inflation/deflation of the balloon. Optionally, a working device 448, such as a flexible catheter or elongate apparatus examples of which are shown in FIGS. 5A-5T and described herebelow, may also be advanced through the suction lumen of tube 442 and out of opening 444 as indicated on FIG. 3A.

[0221] FIG. 3B shows another alternative wherein an occluder 450 has a depression or well 454 formed in its upper surface. A tube 452 is attached to the occluder by attachment members 456 and the distal end of the tube 452 protrudes into well 454 such that any blood, fluid or debris that collects within the well 454 may be suctioned through the tube 452. In embodiments where the occluder 450 comprises a balloon, the tube 452 may incorporate a balloon inflation/deflation lumen which may extend through an inflation/deflation side tube 458 into the interior of the balloon to facilitate inflation and deflation of the balloon.

[0222] FIGS. 3C and 3C′ show another alternative wherein an occluder 460 had a depression or well 462 formed in its upper surface and a tube 464 is attached to the occluder 460, as shown. A lumen of the tube 464 is in communication with the area adjacent the floor of the well to facilitate suctioning of blood, fluid or debris that collects within the well. In embodiments where the occluder 460 comprises a balloon, the tube 464 may incorporate a suction lumen 468 and a balloon inflation/deflation lumen 470. A small curved (e.g., generally “U” shaped) suction tube 466 may be connected in a sealed connection to the distal end of suction lumen 468 and the interior of the well 462 such that blood, other fluid or debris may be suctioned from the well 462, through suction tube 466 and through suction lumen 468.

[0223] FIG. 3D shows a concave occluder 471 that comprises a self expanding concave structure 472 such as a basket formed of a superelastic or resilient mesh material (e.g., nickel titanium alloy wire mesh). The expanding concave structure 472 is covered by a fluid impermeable flexible covering 474 such as a skin formed of flexible polymer (e.g., expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane, polyethylene teraphthalate, etc.). When fully expanded the concave occluder 471 occludes the body lumen in which it is positioned (e.g., the nasal cavity, posterior choanae, nasopharynx, pharynx, etc.) and forms a concave well 479. A tube 480 extends into the well 479 of the concave occluder 471 and may be used to suction blood, fluid or debris from the well 479. The occluder 471 may be advanced from and withdrawn into a delivery catheter 478. Struts 472 may connect the concave occluder 471 to a delivery member (not shown) within the delivery catheter 478, such delivery member being advanceable to push the occluder 471 out of the delivery catheter 478 and retractable to withdraw the occluder 471 into the delivery catheter 478. When inside the delivery catheter, the occluder 471 may be in a collapsed configuration but when expelled out of the delivery catheter the occluder will resiliently spring or self-expand to its expanded concave configuration, as shown in FIG. 3D. The suction catheter 480 may advance from and/or retract into the delivery catheter 478 concurrently with, or separately from, the occluder 471.

[0224] FIGS. 3E¹-3E¹¹¹ show yet another occluder/suction arrangement wherein the occluder 484 comprises an everting tubular member that is advanceable from a delivery/suction catheter 486. The everting tubular member comprises a frame 488 that is covered with a covering 500. Initially the everting tubular member is in a substantially cylindrical configuration within the lumen of the delivery/suction catheter 486. The frame may be a resilient or superelastic material that is biased to the everted shape shown in FIG. 3E¹¹¹. Such frame 488 may be formed of mesh material (e.g., nickel titanium alloy wire mesh). The covering 500 may be formed of flexible polymer (e.g., expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane, polyethylene teraphthalate, etc.) In operation, the delivery/suction catheter 486 is advanced to the position where it is desired to place the occluder 484. Then, the everting tube is advanced from the distal end opening of the delivery/suction tube 486, as shown in FIGS. 3E¹ and 3E¹¹¹. As it advances out of the catheter 486, the everting tube member assumes its everted configuration, forming a concave occluder 484 as shown in FIG. 3E¹¹¹. The occluder 484, when fully everted, occludes the body lumen in which it is positioned (e.g., the nasal cavity, posterior choanae, nasopharynx, pharynx, etc.) and creates a concave well 504. The delivery/suction catheter 486 may be advanced into the concave well 504 such that any blood, fluid or debris that collects within concave well 504 may be suctioned through suction ports 502 and through the distal end of the delivery/suction catheter 486.

[0225] FIGS. 3F-3F¹¹¹ show another embodiment wherein an occluder 510 is positioned on the end of a tube 512. The occluder 510 has an arched upper surface such that a generally “V” shaped annular collection space 518 is created in the region of the coaptation between the occluder 510 and the adjacent wall of the body lumen in which it is positioned (e.g., a nasal cavity, posterior choanae, nasopharynx, pharynx, etc.). A suction tube 516 extends from tube 512 into the annular collection space 518 and blood, other fluid or debris that collects in the annular collection space 518 may be suctioned through suction tube 516 and through a lumen of tube 512, thereby providing for maintenance of a substantially dry environment adjacent to the upper surface of the occluder 510. The occluder 510 may comprise a balloon or any other suitable occlusion member as described herein or known in the art. As shown in FIGS. 3F¹-3F¹¹¹ the suction tube 516 may comprise a simple tube having an open distal end or, alternatively, the device may incorporate a suction tube 516a that has a plurality of side apertures 520 formed near its distal end and/or a suction tube 516 that has a guard member 522, such as a screen, formed over its suction ports or openings to deter solid matter (e.g., blood clots or other debris) from clogging the suction ports or openings.

[0226] FIG. 3G shows an occluder 530 attached to a tube 532 that has a curved (e.g., generally “U” shaped) distal end that does not protrude into the interior of the occluder. Suction apertures 536 are formed in the distal portion of the tube 532 to permit blood, fluid or debris that collects adjacent to the upper surface of the occluder 530 to be suctioned through the tube 532. In embodiments where the occluder is a balloon a balloon/inflation lumen may extend through tube 532 and a small balloon inflation tube 538 may extend into the interior of the balloon to permit the balloon to be inflated and deflated. Optionally, in some embodiments, a separate tube 540 may extend through tube 532 and trough occluder 530 to provide access to the area distal to the occluder 530 for purposes of suctioning, introduction of instruments, or other purposes.

[0227] FIG. 3H shows another embodiment wherein the occluder 546 is connected to a tube or elongate member 550 and a suction tube 548 having an expanded (e.g., trumpet shaped) distal end is useable to suction blood, fluid or debris from the area adjacent to the upper surface of the occluder. As can be seen from FIG. 3H, where the upper surface of the occluder is arched and annular collection space may be created around the perimeter of the occluder 546 where the occluder 546 coapts with the wall of the anatomical structure in which it is positioned (e.g., a nasal cavity, posterior choanae, nasopharynx, pharynx, etc.) and the expanded end 552 of the suction tube 548 may be sized and shaped to receive the arched upper surface of the occluder 546 and to suction any blood, fluid or debris from that annular collection space. In embodiments where the occluder is a balloon a balloon/inflation lumen may extend through tube 548 and a small balloon inflation tube may extend into the interior of the balloon to permit the balloon to be inflated and deflated. Optionally, in some embodiments, a separate tube 550 may extend through tube 548 and through occluder 546 to provide access to the area distal to the occluder 546 for purposes of suctioning, introduction of instruments or fluid injectors, or other purposes.

[0228] FIG. 3I shows an embodiment wherein the occluder 570 comprises a mass of absorbent material such as a tampon (e.g., cotton, gauze, hydrogel or other material or composite of materials that will absorb fluid and occlude the desired body lumen). In the particular example shown, the occluder is advanced out of an aperture 578 formed in a tube 572 that has a curved (e.g., generally “U” shaped) tip. Suction apertures 576 are formed in the distal portion of the tube 572 to permit blood, fluid or debris that collects adjacent to the upper surface of the occluder 570 to be suctioned through the tube 572. After the procedure is complete or the occlusion is no longer required, the tube 572 and fluid-soaked occluder 570 may be withdrawn from the body without retraction of the occluder 570 into the tube 572. Optionally, a distal end opening 574 may be formed in tube 572 and such distal end opening may be connected to the same lumen as openings 576 or a separate lumen to the optional distal end opening 574 to be used for suctioning, irrigation or introduction of a working device 580 such those shown in FIGS. 5A-5Y¹¹¹¹¹ and described herebelow.

[0229] FIG. 3J shows an occluder embodiment similar to that of the device shown in FIGS. 2O and 2P and described hereabove. In this embodiment, an occluder 600 is attached to a tube or elongate member 604 and a suction tube 602 is movable back and forth over the tube or elongate member 604 to suction blood, fluid or debris from the area adjacent to the upper surface of the occluder 600 or elsewhere in the body lumen in which the occluder 600 is positioned. In embodiments where the occluder 600 is a balloon, a balloon/inflation lumen may extend through tube or elongate member 604 and into the balloon to permit the balloon to be inflated and deflated. Optionally, in some embodiments, a separate tube 606 may extend trough tube or elongate member 604 and through occluder 600 to provide access to the area distal to the occluder 600 for purposes of suctioning, introduction of instruments, or other purposes.

[0230] FIG. 3K shows an occluder embodiment similar to that incorporated into the device shown in FIGS. 2Q and 2R and described hereabove. In this embodiment, an occluder 610 is attached to a tube or elongate member 614 and a tapered suction tube 612 having one or more suction apertures 616 formed therein is movable back and forth over the tube or elongate member 614 to suction blood, fluid or debris from the area adjacent to the upper surface of the occluder 610 or elsewhere in the body lumen in which the occluder 600 is positioned. Of course, irrigation solution or other fluids may also be delivered through such apertures 616 or through a separate irrigation/infusion lumen that opens through separate irrigation/infusion aperture(s) (not shown). In embodiments where the occluder 610 is a balloon, a balloon/inflation lumen may extend through tube or elongate member 614 and into the balloon to permit the balloon to be inflated and deflated. Optionally, in some embodiments, a separate 10 tube 618 may extend trough tube or elongate member 614 and through occluder 610 to provide access to the area distal to the occluder 610 for purposes of suctioning, introduction of instruments, or other purposes.

[0231] FIGS. 3L¹-3L¹¹ show yet another occluder/tubing device 1000 comprising an outer tube 1002 and an inner tube 1004 disposed coaxially within the outer tube 1002. An outwardly bendable region 1006 is formed in the wall of the outer tube 1002 near its distal end. The distal end of the outer tube 1002 is affixed to the inner tube 1004. A passageway 1010 extends between the outer tube 1002 and inner tube 1004 and openings 1008 are formed in the wall of the outer tube 1002. In routine operation, this device 1000 is initially disposed in the configuration shown in FIG. 3L¹ and is inserted into the desired passageway. Thereafter, the inner tube 1004 is pulled in the proximal direction while the outer tube 1002 is held stationary, thereby causing the outwardly bendable region 1006 to protrude outwardly as shown in FIG. 3L¹¹ and resulting in occlusion of the body lumen in which the distal portion of the device 1000 is positioned. Suction may be applied to passageway 1010 to remove blood, fluid or other debris from the area adjacent to the upper surface of 1007 of the outwardly protruding bendable region 1006. In this regard, the openings 1008 may be formed close to and/or even in the upper surface 1007 of the outwardly protruding bendable region 1006.

[0232] FIGS. 3M¹ and 3M¹¹ show another occluder/tubing device 1020 comprising an outer tube 1022 an inner tube 1024. The inner tube 1024 is advanceable out of the distal end of the outer tube 1022 and a distal portion of the inner tube 1024 expands as it emerges from the inner tube, thereby forming an occluder that occludes the body lumen or passageway in which it is positioned, as shown in FIG. 3M¹¹. Blood, other fluid or debris may be suctioned from the area adjacent to the upper surface of the occluder through the open distal end of the outer tube 1022 and/or through optional side apertures 1026.

[0233] FIG. 4 shows a nasopharyngeal occluder/endotracheal tube device 620 of the present invention inserted through the right nasal cavity and Into the trachea. This device 620 comprises a curved tube 622 having a posterior occluder 626 positioned at or near the distal end of the tube 622 and, optionally an anterior occluder (shown in dotted lines on FIG. 4) formed near the proximal end of the tube 622. An endotracheal tube 624 extends through curved tube 622, through the posterior occluder and into the patient's trachea. Optionally, a cuff 628 may be formed on endotracheal tube 624 to provide a second substantially fluid tight seal within the patient's trachea, inferior to the glottis. A hub 630 is formed on the proximal end of tube 622. A ventilator tube 634 extends from the hub and is connected to endotracheal tube 624 and is attachable to a ventilator, anesthesia machine, t-tube, Ambu-bag, etc., In embodiments where the posterior occluder 626 is a balloon, a posterior occluder inflation/deflation connector 632 extends from hub 630 and is connected to an inflation/deflation lumen that extends through tube 622 for inflation/deflation of the posterior occluder 626. A cuff inflation/deflation connector 634 may also extend from hub 630 and through the endotracheal tube 624 for inflation/deflation of the endotracheal tube cuff 628. Optionally, suction and/or device insertion ports may also be formed in hub 630, as described above in connection with other occluder/access devices. In routine operation, this device 620 is inserted to a position where the posterior occluder 626 occludes the posterior choanae, nasopharynx or pharynx posterior to the nasal septum (but typically superior to the glottis) and the endotracheal tube 624 extends into the patient's trachea with the optional cuff positioned in the trachea inferior to the glottis.

[0234] C. Working Devices for Delivering Substances or for Cutting, Ablating, Remodeling or Expanding Bone or Soft Tissue

[0235] The present invention provides a variety of apparatus that may be inserted into the nasal cavity, paranasal sinus, nasopharynx or middle ear to perform diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. These devices may be delivered through or incorporated into flexible catheters or flexible rod-like shafts. Such flexible construction allows these devices to be delivered and positioned to perform the desired diagnostic or therapeutic procedures with minimal trauma to other tissues, as can result from the insertion of rigid scopes and rigid instruments in accordance with the methodology of the prior art. It is within the scope of this approach that these devices may be partially flexible or have rigid portions and flexible portions to facilitate their control and guidance to the appropriate region. Further, they may be used in conjunction or combination with other standard rigid apparatus (scopes, etc.) during some part of the procedure, if desired.

[0236] Also, in some but not necessarily all procedures, these working devices (and/or the catheters used to deliver them) may be inserted through lumens of the occluder & access devices 10, 12, 300, 301, 400, 430, etc., as shown in FIGS. 2A-2R and described above. As stated earlier, it may also be desirable to focus the access and occlusion to an even smaller territory, through stand-alone guide catheters or subselective guide catheters with or without balloons or other occluders.

[0237] Optionally, any of the working devices and guide catheters described herein may be configured to receive or be advanced over a guidewire unless to do so would render the device inoperable for its intended purpose. Some of the specific examples described herein include guidewires, but it is to be appreciated that the use of guidewires and the incorporation of guidewire lumens is not limited to only the specific examples in which guidewires or guidewire lumens are shown. The guidewires used in this invention may be constructed and coated as is common in the art of cardiology. This may include the use of coils, tapered or non-tapered core wires, radiopaque tips and/or entire lengths, shaping ribbons, variations of stiffness, PTFE, silicone, hydrophilic coatings, polymer coatings, etc., For the scope of this inventions, these wires may possess dimensions of length between 5 and 75 cm and outer diameter between 0.005″ and 050″.

[0238] Also, some of the working devices shown in FIGS. 5A-5Y¹¹¹¹¹ and described herein incorporate assemblies, components or mechanisms (e.g., rotating cutters, radiofrequency electrodes, electrocautery devices, receptacles for capturing matter, cryosurgical apparatus, balloons, stents, radioactive or substance-eluting coatings, snares, electro-anatomical mapping and guidance, optical fibers, lenses and other endoscopic apparatus, seals, hemostatic valves, etc., The designs and constructions of such components and assemblies are well known in the art. Non-limiting examples of some such designs and constructions are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,984 (Fischell et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,775,327 (Randolph et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,685,838 (Peters, et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 6,013,019 (Fischell et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,356,418 (Shturman), U.S. Pat. No. 5,634,908 (Loomas), U.S. Pat. No. 5,255,679 (Imran), U.S. Pat. No. 6,048,299 (Hoffman), U.S. Pat. No. 6,585,794 (Wright et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 6,503,185 (Waksman), U.S. Pat. No. 6,669,689 (Lehmann et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 6,638,233 (Corvi et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,026,384 (Farr et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 4,669,469 (Gifford et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 6,685,648 (Flaherty et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,250,059 (Andreas et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 4,708,834 (Tsuno), U.S. Pat. No. 5,171,233 (Amplatz), U.S. Pat. No. 6,468,297 (Williams et al.) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,748,869 (Wardle).

[0239] As shown in the examples of FIGS. 5A-5Y¹¹¹ these working devices include guide catheters, substance delivery catheters, scopes, injectors, cutters, bone breaking apparatus, balloons and other dilators, laser/thermal delivery devices, braces, implants, stents, snares, biopsy tools, forceps, etc.

[0240] FIG. 5A shows a side suction and/or cutting catheter 70 comprising a flexible catheter body 72 having a side opening 74. The catheter 72 is advanced into a passageway such as a nostril, nasal cavity, meatus, ostium, interior of a sinus, etc., and positioned so that the opening 74 is adjacent to matter (e.g., a polyp, lesion, piece of debris, tissue, blood clot, etc.) that is to be removed. Suction may be applied through a lumen of the catheter 72 to suction the matter through the opening 74, and into the catheter 72. In some cases, a cutter such as a rotating cutter, linear slicer, pincher, laser beam, electrosurgical cutter, etc., may be incorporated into the catheter 72 to assist in severing or ablating tissue or other matter that has been positioned in the side opening 74. This catheter may incorporate a deflectable tip or a curved distal end which may force the opening of the catheter against the tissue of interest. Further, this device 70 may have an optional stabilizing balloon (similar to that shown in FIG. 5M and described herebelow) incorporated on one side of the catheter 72 to press it against the tissue of interest and may also contain one or more on-board imaging modalities such as ultrasound, fiber or digital optics, OCT, RF or electromagnetic sensors or emitters, etc.

[0241] FIG. 5B shows an injector catheter 76 that comprises a flexible catheter shaft 78 having one or more injector(s) 80 that are advanceable into tissue or other matter that is located in or on the wall of the body lumen in which the catheter 78 is positioned. The catheter 78 is advanced, with the injector(s) retracted into the catheter body, through a passageway such as a nostril, nasal cavity, meatus, ostium, interior of a sinus, etc., and positioned adjacent the area to which a diagnostic or therapeutic substance is to be injected. Thereafter, the injector(s) are advanced into the adjacent tissue or matter and the desired substance is injected. Energy, such as laser, RF, thermal or other energy may be delivered through these injectors 80 or energy emitting implants (such as gamma or beta radioactive seeds) may also be delivered through these injectors 80, either alone or in combination with a fluid carrier or other substance such as a diagnostic or therapeutic substance (as defined herein). It will be noted that this device 76 as well as other working devices and methods of the present invention (including the various implantable devices described herein) are useable to deliver diagnostic or therapeutic substances. The term “diagnostic or therapeutic substance” as used herein is to be broadly construed to include any feasible drugs, prodrugs, proteins, gene therapy preparations, cells, diagnostic agents, contrast or imaging agents, biologicals, etc., For example, in some applications where it is desired to treat or prevent a microbial infection, the substance delivered may comprise pharmaceutically acceptable salt or dosage form of an antimicrobial agent (e.g., antibiotic, antiviral, antiparasitic, antifungal, etc.).

[0242] Some nonlimiting examples of antimicrobial agents that may be used in this invention include acyclovir, amantadine, aminoglycosides (e.g., amikacin, gentamicin and tobramycin), amoxicillin, amoxicillin/Clavulanate, amphotericin B, ampicillin, ampicillin/sulbactam, atovaquone, azithromycin, cefazolin, cefepime, cefotaxime, cefotetan, cefpodoxime, ceftazidime, ceftizoxime, ceftriaxone, cefuroxime, cefuroxime axetil, cephalexin, chloramphenicol, clotrimazole, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, clindamycin, dapsone, dicloxacillin, doxycycline, erythromycin, fluconazole, foscamet, ganciclovir, atifloxacin, imipenem/cilastatin, isoniazid, itraconazole, ketoconazole, metronidazole, nafcillin, nafcillin, nystatin, penicillin, penicillin G, pentamidine, piperacillin/tazobactam, rifampin, quinupristin-dalfopristin, ticarcillin/clavulanate, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, valacyclovir, vancomycin, mafenide, silver sulfadiazine, mupirocin, nystatin, triamcinolone/nystatin, clotrimazole/betamethasone, clotrimazole, ketoconazole, butoconazole, miconazole, tioconazole, detergent-like chemicals that disrupt or disable microbes (e.g., nonoxynol-9, octoxynol-9, benzalkonium chloride, menfegol, and N-docasanol); chemicals that block microbial attachment to target cells and/or inhibits entry of infectious pathogens (e.g., sulphated and sulponated polymers such as PC-515 (carrageenan), Pro-2000, and Dextrin 2 Sulphate); antiretroviral agents (e.g., PMPA gel) that prevent retroviruses from replicating in the cells; genetically engineered or naturally occurring antibodies that combat pathogens such as anti-viral antibodies genetically engineered from plants known as “plantibodies;” agents which change the condition of the tissue to make it hostile to the pathogen (such as substances which alter mucosal pH (e.g., Buffer Gel and Acidform) or non-pathogenic or “friendly” bacteria or other microbes that cause the production of hydrogen peroxide or other substances that kill or inhibit the growth of pathogenic microbes (e.g., lactobacillus). As may be applied to any of the substances listed previously or below, these substances may be combined with any one or more drug-releasing devices or molecular constructs such as polymers, collagen, gels, implantable osmotic pump devices, etc., to permit their release over an extended period of time once deposited. Further, these substances may also be combined with any of the implantable structural devices described below (stents, expanders, etc.) to reduce Infection, encrustation, or encapsulation of the implant itself, or to allow the drug to be deposited in the optimal location mucosally, sub-mucosally or into the bone. Examples of Implantable substance delivery devices useable in this invention include those shown in FIGS. 5Y′-5Y¹¹¹¹¹ and described herebelow.

[0243] Additionally or alternatively, in some applications where it is desired to treat or prevent inflammation the substances delivered in this invention may include various steroids. For example, corticosteroids that have previously administered by intranasal administration may be used, such as beclomethasone (Vancenase® or Beconase®), flunisolide (Nasalideft fluticasone(Flonase®), triamcinolone (Nasacort®) and mometasone (Nasonex®). Also, other steroids that may be useable in the present invention include but are not limited, to aclometasone, desonide, hydrocortisone, betamethasone, clocortolone, desoximetasone, fluocinolone, flurandrenolide, mometasone, prednicarbate; amcinonide, desoximetasone, diflorasone, fluocinolone, fluocinonide, halcinonide, clobetasol, augmented betamethasone, diflorasone, halobetasol, prednasone, dexamethasone and methylprednisolone, Additionally or alternatively, in some applications, such as those where it is desired to treat or prevent an allergic or immune response, the substances delivered in this invention may include a) various cytokine inhibitors such as humanized anti-cytokine antibodies, anti-cytokine receptor antibodies, recombinant (new cell resulting from genetic recombination) antagonists, or soluble receptors; b) various leucotriene modifiers such as zaflrlukast, montelukast and zileuton; c) immunoglobulin E (IgE) inhibitors such as Omalizumab (an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody formerly called rhu Mab-E25) and secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor).

[0244] Additionally or alternatively, in some applications, such as those where it is desired to shrink mucosal tissue, cause decongestion or effect hemostasis, the substances delivered in this invention may include various vasoconstrictors for decongestant and or hemostatic purposes including but not limited to pseudoephedrine, xylometazoline, oxymetazoline, phenylephrine, epinephrine, etc.

[0245] Additionally or alternatively, in some applications, such as those where it is desired to facilitate the flow of mucous, the substances delivered in this invention may include various mucolytics or other agents that modify the viscosity or consistency of mucous or mucoid secretions, including but not limited to acetylcysteine (Mucomyst™, Mucosil™) and guaifenesin.

[0246] Additionally or alternatively, in some applications such as those where it is desired to prevent or deter histamine release, the substances delivered in this invention may include various mast cell stabilizers or drugs which prevent the release of histamine such as cromolyn (e.g., Nasal Chrom®) and nedocromil.

[0247] Additionally or alternatively, in some applications such as those where it is desired to prevent or inhibit the effect of histamine, the substances delivered in this invention may include various antihistamines such as azelastine (e.g., Astylin®), diphenhydramine, loratidine, etc.

[0248] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments such as those where it is desired to dissolve, degrade, cut, break or remodel bone or cartilage, the substances delivered in this invention may include substances that weaken or modify bone and/or cartilage to facilitate other procedures of this invention wherein bone or cartilage is remodeled, reshaped, broken or removed. One example of such an agent would be a calcium chelator such as EDTA that could be injected or delivered in a substance delivery implant next to a region of bone that is to be remodeled or modified. Another example would be a preparation consisting of or containing bone degrading cells such as osteoclasts. Other examples would include various enzymes of material that may soften or break down components of bone or cartilage such as collagenase (CGN), trypsin, trypsin/EDTA, hyaluronidase, and tosyllysylchloromethane (TLCM).

[0249] Additionally or alternatively, in some applications, the substances delivered in this invention may include other classes of substances that are used to treat rhinitis, nasal polyps, nasal inflammation, and other disorders of the ear, nose and throat including but not limited to anticolinergic agents that tend to dry up nasal secretions such as ipratropium (Atrovent Nasal®), as well as other agents not listed here.

[0250] Additionally or alternatively, in some applications such as those where it is desired to draw fluid from polyps or edematous tissue, the substances delivered in this invention may include locally or topically acting diuretics such as furosemide and/or hyperosmolar agents such as sodium chloride gel or other salt preparations that draw water from tissue or substances that directly or indirectly change the osmolar content of the mucous to cause more water to exit the tissue to shrink the polyps directly at their site.

[0251] Additionally or alternatively, in some applications such as those wherein it is desired to treat a tumor or cancerous lesion, the substances delivered in this invention may include antitumor agents (e.g., cancer chemotherapeutic agents, biological response modifiers, vascularization inhibitors, hormone receptor blockers, cryotherapeutic agents or other agents that destroy or inhibit neoplasia or tumorigenesis), such as alkylating agents or other agents which directly kill cancer cells by attacking their DNA (e.g., cyclophosphamide, isophosphamide), nitrosoureas or other agents which kill cancer cells by inhibiting changes necessary for cellular DNA repair (e.g., carmustine (BCNU) and lomustine (CCNU)), antimetabolites and other agents that block cancer cell growth by interfering with certain cell functions, usually DNA synthesis (e.g., 6-mercaptopurine and 5-fluorouracil (5FU), antitumor antibiotics and other compounds that act by binding or intercalating DNA and preventing RNA synthesis (e.g., doxorubicin, daunorubicin, epirubicin, idarubicin, mitomycin-C and bleomycin) plant (vinca) alkaloids and other anti-tumor agents derived from plants (e.g., vincristine and vinblastine), steroid hormones, hormone inhibitors, hormone receptor antagonists and other agents which affect the growth of hormone-responsive cancers (e.g., tamoxifen, herceptin, aromatase ingibitors such as aminoglutethamide and formestane, triazole inhibitors such as letrozole and anastrazole, steroidal inhibitors such as exemestane), antiangiogenic proteins, small molecules, gene therapies and/or other agents that inhibit angiogenesis or vascularization of tumors (e.g., meth-1, meth-2, thalidomide), bevacizumab (Avastin), squalamine, endostatin, angiostatin, Angiozyme, AE-941 (Neovastat), CC-5013 (Revimid), medi-522 (Vitaxin), 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2, Panzem), carboxyamidotriazole (CAI), combretastatin A4 prodrug (CA4P), SU6668, SU11248, BMS-275291, COL-3, EMD 121974, IMC-IC11, IM862, TNP-470, celecoxib (Celebrex), rofecoxib (Vioxx), interferon alpha, interleukin-12 (IL-12) or any of the compounds identified in Science Vol. 289, Pages 1197-1201 (Aug. 17, 2000) which is expressly incorporated herein by reference, biological response modifiers (e.g., interferon, bacillus calmette-guerin (BCG), monoclonal antibodies, interluken-2, granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF), etc.), PGDF receptor antagonists, herceptin, asparaginase, busulphan, carboplatin, cisplatin, carmustine, chlorambucil, cytarabine, dacarbazine, etoposide, flucarbazine, fluorouracil, gemcitabine, hydroxyurea, ifosphamide, irinotecan, lomustine, melphalan, mercaptopurine, methotrexate, thioguanine, thiotepa, tomudex, topotecan, treosulfan, vinblastine, vincristine, mitoazitrone, oxaliplatin, procarbazine, streptocin, taxol, taxotere, analogs/congeners and derivatives of such compounds, as well as other antitumor agents not listed here.

[0252] Additionally or alternatively, in some applications such as those where it is desired to grow new cells or to modify existing cells, the substances delivered in this invention may include cells (mucosal cells, fibroblasts, stem cells or genetically engineered cells), as well as genes and gene delivery vehicles like plasmids, adenoviral vectors or naked DNA, mRNA, etc., injected with genes that code for anti-inflammatory substances, etc., and, as mentioned above, osteoclasts that modify or soften bone when so desired.

[0253] Additionally or alternatively to being combined with a device and/or a substance releasing modality, it may be ideal to position the device in a specific location upstream in the mucous flow path (i.e., frontal sinus or ethmoid cells). This could allow the deposition of fewer drug releasing devices, and permit the “bathing” of all the downstream tissues with the desired drug. This utilization of mucous as a carrier for the drug may be ideal, especially since the concentrations for the drug may be highest in regions where the mucous is retained; whereas non-diseased regions with good mucous flow will be less affected by the drug. This could be particularly useful in chronic sinusitis, or tumors where bringing the concentration of drug higher at those specific sites may have greater therapeutic benefit. In all such cases, local delivery will permit these drugs to have much less systemic impact. Further, it may be ideal to configure the composition of the drug or delivery system such that it maintains a loose affinity to the mucous permitting it to distribute evenly in the flow. Also, in some applications, rather than a drug, a solute such as a salt or other mucous soluble material may be positioned at a location whereby mucous will contact the substance and a quantity of the substance will become dissolved in the mucous thereby changing some property (e.g., pH, osmolarity, etc.) of the mucous. In some cases, this technique may be used to render the mucous hyperosmolar so that the flowing mucous will draw water from polyps, edematous mucosal tissue, etc., thereby providing a desiccating therapeutic effect.

[0254] Additionally or alternatively to substances directed towards local delivery to affect changes within the sinus cavity, the nasal cavities provide unique access to the olfactory system and thus the brain. Any of the devices and methods described herein may also be used to deliver substances to the brain or alter the functioning of the olfactory system. Such examples include, the delivery of energy or the deposition of devices and/or substances and/or substance delivering implant(s) to occlude or alter olfactory perception, to suppress appetite or otherwise treat obesity, epilepsy (e.g., barbiturates such as phenobarbital or mephoobarbital; iminostilbenes such as carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine; succinimides such as ethylsuximide; valproic acid; benzodiazepines such as clonazepam, clorazepate, diazepam and lorazepam, gabapentin, lamotrigine, acetazolamide, felbamate, levetiraceam, tiagabine, topiramate, zonisamide, etc.), personality or mental disorders (e.g., antidepressants, anti-anxiety agents, antipsychotics, etc.), chronic pain, Parkinson's disease (e.g., dopamine receptor agonists such as bromocriptine, pergolide, ropinitrol and pramipexole; dopamine precursors such as levodopa; COMT inhibitors such as tolcapone and entacapone; selegiline; muscarinic receptor antagonists such as trihexyphenidyl, benztropine and diphenhydramine) and Alzheimer's, Huntington's Disease or other dementias, disorders of cognition or chronic degenerative diseases (e.g., tacrine, donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine, fluoxetine, carbamazepine, clozapine, clonazepam and proteins or genetic therapies that inhibit the formation of beta-amyloid plaques), etc.

[0255] FIG. 5C shows a device 82 that comprises a rotating shaft 84 having a drill, auger or burr 86 that is useable to drill, bore, grind or cut through tissue, bone, cartilage or other matter. This device 82 may deployed as shown or, alternatively, the device 82 may be inserted through a small mucosal incision to preserve the overlying mucosal lining while removing or boring Into the bone or cartilage below the mucosal lining.

[0256] FIG. 5D shows a guided injector catheter device 88 for delivering a diagnostic or therapeutic substance as defined above. This device 88 comprises a flexible catheter 90 having an imaging apparatus 96 thereon and an injector 92 that is advanceable from and retractable into the catheter 90. The imaging apparatus 96 is useable to image the target location 94 at which the substance is to be deposited and to enable orientation of the catheter 88 such that, when the injector 92 is advanced from the catheter 88, the injector 92 will travel to the desired target location 94. Examples of such catheter 88 are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,195,225 (Makower), U.S. Pat. No. 6,544,230 (Flaherty et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,615 (Flaherty et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 6,302,875 (Makower et al), U.S. Pat. No. 6,190,353 (Makower et al.) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,685,648 (Flaherty et al.), the entireties of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0257] FIG. 5E shows a balloon catheter device 98 comprising a flexible catheter 100 having a balloon 102 thereon. The catheter device 98 is advanced, with balloon 102 deflated, into a passageway such as a nostril, nasal cavity, meatus, ostium, interior of a sinus, etc., and positioned with the deflated balloon 102 situated within an ostium, passageway or adjacent to tissue or matter that is to be dilated, expanded or compressed (e.g., to apply pressure for hemostasis, etc.). Thereafter, the balloon 102 may be inflated to dilate, expand or compress the ostium, passageway, tissue or matter. Thereafter the balloon 102 may be deflated and the device 98 may be removed. This balloon 102 may also be coated, impregnated or otherwise provided with a medicament or substance that will elute from the balloon into the adjacent tissue (e.g., bathing the adjacent tissue with drug or radiating the tissue with thermal or other energy to shrink the tissues in contact with the balloon 102). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the balloon may have a plurality of apertures or openings through which a substance may be delivered, sometimes under pressure, to cause the substance to bathe or diffuse into the tissues adjacent to the balloon. Alternatively, in some embodiments, radioactive seeds, threads, ribbons, gas or liquid, etc., maybe advanced into the catheter shaft 100 or balloon 102 or a completely separate catheter body for some period of time to expose the adjacent tissue and to achieve a desired diagnostic or therapeutic effect (e.g., tissue shrinkage, etc.).

[0258] FIG. 5F shows a balloon/cutter catheter device 104 comprising a flexible catheter 106 having a balloon 108 with one or more cutter blades 110 formed thereon. The device 104 is advanced, with balloon 108 deflated, into a passageway such as a nostril, nasal cavity, meatus, ostium, interior of a sinus, etc., and positioned with the deflated balloon 108 situated within an ostium, passageway or adjacent to tissue or matter that is to be dilated, expanded or compressed and in which it is desired to make one or more cuts or scores (e.g., to control the fracturing of tissue during expansion and minimize tissue trauma, etc.). Thereafter, the balloon 108 may be inflated balloon to dilate, expand or compress the ostium, passageway, tissue or matter and causing the cutter blade(s) 110 to make cut(s) in the adjacent tissue or matter. Thereafter the balloon 108 may be deflated and the device 104 may be removed. The blade may be energized with mono or bi-polar RF energy or simply be thermally heated to part the tissues in a hemostatic fashion, as well as cause contraction of collagen fibers or other connective tissue proteins, remodeling or softening of cartilage, etc.

[0259] FIGS. 5G¹-5G¹¹¹ show a device 160 and method for delivery of a pressure expandable stent 166. This device 160 comprises a flexible catheter 162 having a balloon 164 thereon. Initially, as shown in FIG. 5G¹, the balloon 164 is deflated and the stent 166 is radially compressed to a collapsed configuration, around the deflated balloon 164. The catheter 162 with the balloon 164 deflated and the collapsed stent 166 mounted thereon is advanced into a passageway such as a nostril, nasal cavity, meatus, ostium, interior of a sinus, etc., that is to be stented. Thereafter, the balloon 164 is inflated causing the stent 166 to expand to a size that frictionally engages the surrounding tissue so as to hold the stent 166 in place, as shown in FIG. 5G¹¹. In some instances the procedure will be performed for the purpose of enlarging a passageway (e.g., an ostium, meatus, etc.) and the stent 166 will be expanded to a diameter that is sufficiently large to cause the desired enlargement of the passageway and the stent will then perform a scaffolding function, maintaining the passageway in such enlarged condition. After the stent 166 has been fully expanded and implanted, the balloon 164 may be deflated and the catheter 162 removed as shown in FIG. 5G¹¹¹. In some applications, the stent may contain a diagnostic or therapeutic substance as defined herein and such substance may elute from the stent 166 into the surrounding tissue to bring about a desired diagnostic or therapeutic effect. In some cases, the stent 166 may be permanently implanted. In other cases the stent 166 may be temporarily implanted. In cases where the stent 166 is temporarily implanted, it may be removed in a second procedure conducted to retrieve the stent 166 or the stent 166 may be made of bio-absorbable or biodegradable material such that it degrades or is absorbed within a desired period of time after implantation. In some cases, such as when the stent is to be placed within the ostium of a paranasal sinus, the stent and/or the balloon may be specifically shaped to facilitate and/or cause the stent 166 to seat in a desired position and to prevent unwanted slippage of the stent 166. For example, the stent 166 and/or balloon 164 may have an annular groove formed about the middle thereof or may be hourglass or venture shaped, to facilitate seating of the stent 166 within an ostium or orifice without longitudinal slippage of the stent 166. In some cases it may be desirable to leave a tether or suture attached to the stent 166 to allow for simple removal of the stent 166 in the physician's office or other suitable location. In some cases the procedure may be intended to actually break bone (e.g., where the stent is intended to dilate or enlarge a sinus ostium). Thus, the balloon 164 may be made of polymeric material including, but not limited to flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), cross-linked polyethylene, polyester, polyamide, polyolefin, polyurethane and silicone. Various balloon properties (strength, flexibility, thickness, etc.) may be modified by, but not limited to, blending, layering, mixing, co-extruding, irradiating, and other means of engineering balloon material(s). This allows for the use of compliant balloons that can conform to the surrounding structure or non-compliant balloons that can deform or break the surrounding structures (e.g., bone).

[0260] FIG. 5H shows an electrosurgical device 208 comprising a flexible shaft 210 (e.g., a catheter or solid shaft) having arched strut members 214 attached thereto. Electrodes 216 are located on the strut members 214. In some cases, the strut members may be of fixed configuration and in other cases the strut members 214 may be collapsible and expandable. In operation, the device 208 is advanced into a passageway such as a nostril, nasal cavity, meatus, ostium, interior of a sinus, etc., Thereafter, current is applied to the electrodes 216 causing tissue adjacent to the struts 214 to be cauterized or heated. The electrodes 216 may be bipolar, monopolar or facilitated by any other suitable form of energy such as a gas or plasma arc. Additionally, sensing elements may also be attached to the catheter and/or strut members to monitor various parameters of the catheter and/or surrounding tissue (e.g., temperature, etc.). In instances where monopolar electrodes are used, a separate antenna electrode (not shown) will be applied to the patient's body in accordance with processes and techniques that are well known in the art.

[0261] FIG. 5I shows a device 218 that delivers a flow 222 of material (e.g., cryogenic material, diagnostic or therapeutic agent, etc.) or energy (laser light, infrared light, etc.) to the tissues adjacent to the passage or body cavity in which the device 218 is positioned. This device comprises a flexible catheter 220 with an outlet aperture or lens at or near its distal end, through which the flow of material or energy is delivered. This device may be used to cryogenically freeze polyps or other tissues or to deliver laser energy to turbinates or other tissues for the purpose of ablating the tissue or to heat the tissue to a temperature that results in shrinking of the tissue.

[0262] FIG. 5J shows an implantable pressure exerting device 224 that is implantable within a passageway such as a nostril, nasal cavity, meatus, ostium, interior of a sinus, etc., to exert pressure on bone, cartilage, soft tissue, etc., Examples of situations where it is desirable to apply such pressure to an anatomical structure include those wherein it is desired to splint or maintain approximation of a broken bone or those wherein it is desired to cause remodeling or gradual repositioning or reshaping of bone, cartilage, soft tissue or other structures. This implantable device 224 comprises a pressure exerting member 228 and two or more plate members 226. The device 224 is initially constrained in a collapsed configuration wherein the pressure exerting member 228 is compressed or collapsed and the device 224 is advanced into a passageway such as a nostril, nasal cavity, meatus, ostium, interior of a sinus, etc., where it is desired to apply pressure to an anatomical structure. When the device 224 is in the desired position, the pressure exerting member 228 is expanded or elongated to exert outward pressure on the plate members 226 and onto the anatomical structures against which the plate members 226 are positioned. In some embodiments, the pressure exerting member may comprise a spring. In other embodiments, the pressure exerting member may comprise a ratchet, hydraulic cylinder or other mechanical apparatus that may be adjusted to create a desired amount of pressure on the plate members 226. In some applications, the pressure exerting member 228 may be adjustable in situ (i.e., with the device implanted in the body) so as to allow the operator to periodically change the amount of pressure being applied to the anatomical structures of interest (e.g., the operator may change to position of a ratchet or add fluid to a hydraulic cylinder) thereby bringing about gradual remodeling or movement of an anatomical structure in a manner similar to that achieved during dental orthodontia. Thus, this pressure exerting device 224 has broad applicability in a variety of procedures, including those intended to enlarge a sinus ostium or to straighten an intranasal septum.

[0263] FIGS. 5K-5K¹ and 5L show a forward rotary cutting catheter device 700 that comprises a flexible outer tube 702 and a flexible inner tube 704 disposed coaxially and rotatably mounted within the outer tube 702. One or more bearings 708 (e.g., a helical bearing or a series of individual cylindrical bearings) may be disposed between the outer tube 702 and inner tube 704, as shown. Alternatively, one or both apposing tube surfaces may be made of, lined with, or be coated by etc., a lubricious material such as silicone or PTFE to facilitate movement. A rotating cutter 706 is positioned on the distal end of the inner tube 704. In operation, as shown in FIG. 5K¹, the device 700 is advanced through a passageway such as a nostril, nasal cavity, meatus, ostium, interior of a sinus, etc., to a position where the distal end of the device 700 is positioned just behind some obstructive matter, such as a polyp P. The inner tube 704 and its cutter 706 are rotated as the device is advanced into the obstructive matter P and/or suction is applied through the lumen of the inner tube 704 and/or through the lumen of the outer tube 702 to draw the obstructive matter P into contact with the rotating cutter 706. It is to be appreciated that, although this embodiment shows a rotating cutter 706, various other types of cutters such as lasers, radiofrequency cutters and other mechanical cutters, etc., may be used instead. As the obstructive matter P is severed by the rotating cutter 706 the obstructive matter P or pieces thereof may be suctioned through the lumen of the inner tube 704 and/or through the lumen of the outer tube 702. In some applications, as shown in FIG. 5L, a scope or guidewire 710 may extend through the lumen of the inner tube to facilitate advancement and positioning of the device 700 prior to the removal of the obstructive matter P.

[0264] FIGS. 5M and 5N show a side rotary cutting device 714 comprising a flexible outer tube 718 and a flexible inner tube 722 that is disposed coaxially and rotatably mounted within the outer tube 718. One or more bearings 730 (e.g., a helical bearing or a series of individual cylindrical bearings) may be disposed between the outer tube 718 and inner tube 722, as shown. Alternatively, one or both apposing tube surfaces may be made of, lined with, or be coated by etc., a lubricious material such as silicone or PTFE to facilitate movement. A rotating cutter 724 is positioned on the distal end of the inner tube 722. A side opening 720 is formed in the outer tube 718 and the cutter 724 is positioned proximal to the side opening 720. A pull member 728 extends through the inner tube 722 and is attached to a retractor head 726. In operation, the device 714 is advanced and/or torqued to a position where the side opening 720 is near a polyp, tissue or other obstructive matter to be removed. The inner tube 722 and its cutter 724 are rotated. In some applications, suction may be applied through the inner tube 722 and/or through the lumen of the outer tube 718 to draw the obstructive matter into the side opening 720. The pull member 728 is pulled in the proximal direction, causing the retractor head 726 to retract or pull the obstructive matter into contact with the rotating cutter 724. As the obstructive matter is severed by the rotating cutter, the severed obstructive matter or pieces thereof may be suctioned through the lumen of the inner tube 722 and/or through the lumen of the outer tube 718. The pull member 728 may then be advanced in the distal direction to return the retractor head 726 to its original position as shown in FIGS. 5M and 5N. An optional balloon 719 or other laterally extendable member may be located on the side of the catheter 718 opposite the side opening 720 to push the side opening 720 against a lumen wall or into the direction of a polyp or other tissue to be removed. Alternatively, the catheter may incorporate a deflectable tip or a curved distal end that may force the side opening of the catheter against a lumen wall or into the direction of a polyp or other tissue to be removed. With specific reference to FIG. 5N, there is shown a side rotary cutting device 714a that includes all of the elements of the device 714 shown in FIG. 5M, but includes a side lumen 731. A scope may be permanently positioned within this side lumen 731 or a scope may be temporarily inserted into (or through) the side lumen 731 to enable the operator to view the area near the side opening 720 and to facilitate the advancement and positioning of the device 714A. Also, the side lumen 731 may function as a guidewire lumen to allow the device 714A to be advanced over a guidewire.

[0265] It is to be understood that any of the devices described within this document may be further modified to include any one of the following devices within its structure: electromagnetic positioning sensor/detector (Biosense/JNJ, Surgical Navigation Technologies/Medtronic, Calypso Medical), RF sensor/transmitter, magnetic direction localizer (Stereotaxis, Inc.), thermal sensor, radiopaque composition, radioactive detection emitter/sensor, ultrasonic scanner/transmitter/receiver, Doppler scanner, electrical stimulator, fiber optic, digital optic, local diagnostic chip containing elements responsive to the presence or absence of certain substances and therefore having the ability to diagnose the presence of fungus, microbes, viruses, blood, abnormal mucous content, cancer cells, drugs of abuse, genetic abnormalities, metabolic bi-products, etc.

[0266] It is to be further understood that any and all of the devices described in this patent application may incorporate, or may be used in conjunction with, endoscopes. Such endoscopes will typically include light transmitting optical fibers for casting light in the area to be viewed by the scope and image transmitting optical fibers for carrying an image received by the scope to an eyepiece or monitor device located outside the patient's body. In some embodiments a scope, such as a disposable and/or flexible scope, may be affixed to the working device. Examples of such endoscopes that are suitable for incorporation into the working devices of this invention include that described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,708,434; 4,919,112; 5,127,393; 5,519,532; 5,171,233, 5,549,542, 6,551,239 and 6,572,538; as well as published United States Patent Application No. 2001/0029317A1, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,616,601 on Sep. 9, 2003, the entireties of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0267] It is to be further understood that any catheters or elongate flexible devices of this invention may include design elements that impact performance features, which include but are not limited to, durability, flexibility, stiffness, length, profile, lubricity, trackability, steerability, torqueability, deflectability, guidance, and radiopacity. Design elements can include, but are not limited to, use of various polymers and metals, use of varying durometer materials to establish a desired flexibility gradient along the device, blending/mixing/layering/co-extruding etc., various materials, using bearings or lubricious coatings or lubricious materials (e.g., silicone, PTFE, parylene, polyethene, etc.) where two or more surfaces will move relative to each other (e.g., guidewire or instrument lumen, deflecting tendon in lumen, etc.), use of braiding or springs to increase torque control over the device, using materials (e.g., barium, tantalum, etc.) to increase polymer radiopacity, and use of elements to predictably deflect various sections of the catheter (e.g., tension straps or wires, shape memory alloys such as nitinol, etc.).

[0268] It is to be further understood that any of the catheters, scopes, elongate working devices or other devices disclosed in this patent application may be rendered steerable or volitionally bendable, unless to do so would make such device inoperative for its intended purpose. Steerable catheters and scopes are well known in the art and may utilize mechanical steering assemblies (e.g., pull wires, hinges, etc.) or shape memory materials (e.g., nickel titanium alloys, shape memory polymers, etc.) to induce the device to undergo the desired bending or curvature after it has been inserted into the body. Examples of apparatus and construction that may be used to render these devices steerable or volitionally bendable include but are not limited to those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,507,725 (Savage et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 5,656,030 (Hunjan et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 6,183,464 (Webster); U.S. Pat. No. 5,251,092 (Qin et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 6,500,130 (Kinsella et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 6,571,131 (Nguyen); U.S. Pat. No. 5,415,633 (Lazarus et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 4,998,916 (Hammerslag et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 4,898,577 (Badger et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 4,815,478 (Buchbinder et al.); and published United States Patent Application Nos. 2003/0181827A1 (Hojeibane et al.), issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,128,718 on Oct. 31, 2006 and 2003/0130598A1 (Manning et al.) issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,493,156 on Feb. 17, 2009, the entireties of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0269] FIG. 5O shows a flexible catheter 733 having a working lumen 734 that extends though the catheter 732 and terminates in a distal end opening. Optionally, a second lumen 736 may also extend though the catheter 732 and terminate in a distal end opening, as shown. An endoscope 738 may be permanently positioned within this lumen 736 or such endoscope 738 may be temporarily inserted into (or through) the lumen 736 to enable the operator to view the area distal to the catheter 732. Additionally or alternatively, a side scope or lumen 740 may be located on the catheter 732.and an endoscope may be permanently embodied by or positioned in or temporarily inserted into (or through) such side scope or lumen 740 to enable the operator to view the area distal to the catheter 732 and, in at least some cases, the distal end of the catheter 732 itself. In any devices which incorporate such optional side scope or lumen 740, the side scope or lumen 740 may be of any suitable length and may terminate distally at any suitable location and such side scope or lumen 740 is not limited to the specific positioning and the specific distal end location shown in the drawings. Also, in embodiments that incorporate a side scope or lumen 740 such side lumen may be employed as a guidewire or working lumen to permit the catheter to be advanced over a guidewire or for other working devices to be inserted therethrough.

[0270] FIG. 5P shows a balloon catheter and pressure expandable stent system 744 which includes all of the elements of the balloon expandable stent system shown in FIGS. 5G¹-5G¹¹¹ and, in addition, may incorporate an endoscope or side lumen. Specifically, referring to FIG. 5P, there is shown a balloon catheter and pressure expandable stent system 744 that comprises a flexible catheter 746 having a balloon 750 and pressure expandable stent 748 thereon. A side lumen 756 may be located on the catheter 746 and an endoscope may be permanently positioned in or temporarily inserted into (or through) such side lumen 756 to enable the operator to view the balloon 750 and 0 stent 748 and to advance the catheter 749 to its desired position. Also, in embodiments that incorporate a side lumen 756 such side lumen may be employed as a guidewire lumen to permit the catheter 746 to be advanced over a guidewire. Optionally, a lumen may extend through the catheter 746 and through an opening 752 in the distal end of the catheter 749 and a straight, curved, bendable, deflectable or steerable scope and/or stent 754 may be passed through or received in that lumen to facilitate over the wire and/or scope assisted and/or guided and/or manipulated advancement of the catheter 749 to an intended location. In routine use, the balloon 750 is initially deflated and the stent 748 is radially compressed to a collapsed configuration, around the deflated balloon 750. The catheter 746 with the balloon 750 deflated and the collapsed stent 748 mounted thereon is advanced, under endoscopic guidance or over a guidewire, to a position within a passageway such as a nostril, nasal cavity, meatus, ostium, interior of a sinus, etc., that is to be stented. Thereafter, the balloon 750 is inflated causing the stent 748 to expand to a size that frictionally engages the surrounding tissue so as to hold the stent 748 in place. In some instances the procedure will be performed for the purpose of enlarging a passageway (e.g., an ostium, meatus, etc.) and the stent 748 will be expanded to a diameter that is sufficiently large to cause the desired enlargement of the passageway and the stent 748 will then perform a scaffolding function, maintaining the passageway in such enlarged condition. After the stent 748 has been fully expanded and implanted, the balloon 750 may be deflated and the catheter 748 removed. In some applications, the stent 748 may contain a diagnostic or therapeutic substance as defined herein and such substance may elute from the stent 748 into the surrounding tissue to bring about a desired diagnostic or therapeutic effect. In some cases, the stent 748 may be permanently implanted. In other cases the stent 748 may be temporarily implanted. In cases where the stent 748 is temporarily implanted, it may be removed in a second procedure conducted to retrieve the stent 748 or the stent 748 may be made of bio-absorbable or biodegradable material such that it degrades or is absorbed within a desired period of time after implantation. As shown in the examples of FIGS. 5R′ and 5R″, in some cases, such as when a stent is to be placed within the ostium of a paranasal sinus, the stent and/or the balloon may be specifically shaped to facilitate and/or cause the stent to seat in a desired position and to prevent unwanted slippage of the stent. For example, FIG. 5R′ shows a device 1040 comprising a catheter 1042 having a balloon 1044 and stent 1046 mounted thereon as described above. However, in this embodiment, the balloon 1044 and stent 1046 are of a configuration where one end of the balloon 1044 and stent 1046 is larger in diameter than the other end.

[0271] As described above in connection with other embodiments such as those shown in FIGS. 5P and 5Q, a side scope or side lumen 1048 may optionally be formed on the catheter 1042 and/or a scope or guidewire 1050 may optionally be passed through a lumen of the catheter 1042 and out of its distal end. FIG. 5R¹¹ shows another device 1052 comprising a catheter 1054 having a balloon 1056 and stent 1058 mounted thereon as described above. However, in this embodiment, the balloon 1056 and stent 1058 are of a configuration where both ends of the balloon 1056 and stent 1058 are larger in diameter than the middle of the balloon 1056 and stent 1058. As a result, the stent 1058 has an annular groove or indentation formed circumferentially or about the mid-portion thereof or may be hourglass or venture shaped, to facilitate seating of the stent 1058 within an ostium or orifice without longitudinal slippage of the stent 1058. Again, as described above in connection with other embodiments such as those shown in FIGS. 5P and 5Q, a side scope or side lumen 1060 may optionally be formed on the catheter 1052 and/or a scope or guidewire 1062 may optionally be passed through a lumen of the catheter 1054 and out of its distal end. In cases where the procedure is intended to actually break bone (e.g., where the stent 1046, 1058 is intended to dilate or enlarge a sinus ostium) the specially shaped balloon 1044, 1056 may be made of strong polymeric material as described hereabove to enable it to exert bone-breaking pressure on the adjacent or surrounding bone as it is inflated.

[0272] FIGS. 5Q and 5Q¹ show a self-expanding stent and delivery system 760 comprising a flexible outer sheath 762, a flexible inner tube 764 and a stent 768. This stent differs from the stent 748 of FIG. 5P only in that it is resilient and self-expanding rather than pressure expandable. The stent 768 is biased to an expanded configuration. Initially, it is compressed to a radially collapsed configuration on the outer surface of the inner tube 764 and the outer sheath 762 is advanced over the stent 768 to constrain the stent 768 in its collapsed configuration, as can be seen in the cross-sectional showing of FIG. 5Q¹. A scope and/or guidewire 770 may be inserted through the lumen of the inner tube 764. Additionally or alternatively, a side lumen 772 may be located on the outer sheath 762 and an endoscope may be permanently positioned in or temporarily inserted into (or through) such side lumen 772 to enable the operator to view the 0 distal portion of the system 760 and the area ahead of the distal end of the sheath 762 as the system is advanced. Also, in embodiments that incorporate a side lumen 772 such side lumen 772 may be employed as a guidewire lumen to permit the system 760 to be advanced over a guidewire. In routine operation the system 760, with its sheath 762 in a distally advanced position such that it surrounds and constrains the collapsed stent 768, is advanced, under endoscopic guidance and/or over a guidewire, to a position within a passageway such as a nostril, nasal cavity, meatus, ostium, interior of a sinus, etc., that is to be stented. Thereafter, when the stent 768 is positioned at the location to be stented, the sheath 762 is withdrawn, allowing the self-expanding stent 768 to spring or self expand to a radially expanded configuration in which it frictionally engages the surrounding anatomical structure. Thereafter, the remainder of the system 760 is removed, leaving the stent 768 implanted in the body. The stent 768 may perform dilation and scaffolding and/or substance delivery function(s) as described hereabove with respect to the pressure expandable stent 748 of FIG. 5P.

[0273] FIG. 5S shows a snare apparatus 780 comprising a flexible catheter 782 having a lumen 784 extending therethrough. A snare 786 having a general loop shape is advanceable out of the lumen 784 of the device 780. In some embodiments, the snare 786 may optionally be charged with electrical current or otherwise heated so that it performs a cauterization function as it cuts through tissue. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the snare 786 may be of variable diameter (e.g., a noose that may be tightened or loosened by the operator). Also, optionally, a scope or side lumen 788 may be located on the catheter 782 and a stationary or moveable endoscope may be permanently embodied in or temporarily inserted into (or through) such side lumen 788 to enable the operator to view the distal portion of the device 780 and the area of the snare 786. Also, in embodiments where the scope or side lumen 780 comprises a side lumen, such side lumen 788 may be employed as a guidewire lumen to permit the device 780 to be advanced over a guidewire. Alternatively, multiple lumens may run through catheter 782 such that they can accommodate a snare, a guidewire and/or an endoscope. In routine operation, the snare 786 is initially retracted within lumen 784 and the device 780 is advanced under endoscopic guidance and/or over a guidewire, to a position within a passageway such as a nostril, nasal cavity, meatus, ostium, interior of a sinus, etc., where a polyp or other matter to be snared or cut away is located. The snare 786 is advanced out of lumen 784 and positioned around the polyp or other matter and, thereafter, the snare may be pulled or moved, heated (if equipped for heating) and/or tightened (if equipped for tightening) so as to sever or cut the polyp or other matter. In some cases, the severed polyp or other matter bay be suctioned through the lumen 784. In other cases, a separate catheter or device may be introduced to retrieve the severed polyp or other matter. After completion of the procedure, the snare 786 may be retracted into lumen 784 and the device 780 may be removed. Also, in some embodiments, the snare 786 may be replaced by a basket, bag or other retrieval receptacle that is useable to capture and retrieve tissue or other matter and to withdraw it into the lumen of the catheter 782.

[0274] FIG. 5T shows a forceps device 790 which comprises a flexible shaft 792 having jaws or forceps 794 thereon. The jaws or forceps 794 may be volitionally opened and closed by the operator. A scope or side lumen 796 may be located on the flexible shaft 792, as shown. In embodiments where the scope or side lumen 792 comprises a scope, such scope may be fixed or moveable and may be used to observe or view the advancement of the device 790 and/or the use of the forceps 794. In embodiments where the scope or side lumen 796 comprises a side lumen, a stationary or moveable endoscope may be permanently embodied in or temporarily inserted into (or through) such side lumen 796 to enable the operator to view the distal portion of the device 790 and the area of the forceps 794. Also, in embodiments where the scope or side lumen 796 comprises a side lumen, such side lumen 796 may be employed as a guidewire lumen to permit the device 790 to be advanced over a guidewire. In routine operation, the device 790 is advanced, either alone or through the lumen of a catheter, and possibly under endoscopic guidance and/or over a guidewire, to a position within a passageway such as a nostril, nasal cavity, meatus, ostium, interior of a sinus, etc., where matter is to be grasped by the forceps. Thereafter, under optional endoscopic guidance and observation, the forceps 794 are used to grasp the intended matter. In some embodiments, a distal portion of the flexible shaft 792 may be bendable or steerable as indicated by dotted lines on the example of FIG. 5T. In some embodiments, the jaws of the forceps 794 may be designed to sever and retain a specimen of tissue for biopsy or other tissue sampling applications or the forceps 794 may comprise scissors for cutting tissue, cartilage, bone, etc. Alternatively, a lumen may pass through flexible shaft 792 and exit through or next to the forceps 794 and allow the passage of a guidewire or endoscope through such lumen.

[0275] FIGS. 5U and 5U¹ show a telescoping system 800 comprising a flexible catheter 802, a flexible scope 804 and a guidewire 806. The flexible scope 804 comprises a plurality of light transmitting pathways 808 (e.g., optical fibers) that transmit light in the distal direction from a light source (not shown) and out of the distal end of the scope 804 such that the light is cast onto the object or anatomical structure to be viewed. Also, the scope comprises an image transmitting pathway 810 (e.g., optical fiber and lens) that carries reflected light from distal end of the scope to an eyepiece or monitor on which the image may be viewed. The scope also has a guidewire lumen 805 extending therethrough and opening through its distal end. The scope 804 is advanceable through the flexible catheter 802 and a guidewire 806 that is advanceable through a guidewire lumen 805 of the scope, as shown. In routine operation, the telescoping system 800 may be inserted into the nose and the scope 804 may be utilized to view an anatomical structure, such as the ostium of a paranasal sinus, and facilitate advancement of the guidewire into that anatomical structure. Thereafter, the scope may be advanced over the guidewire and into the anatomical structure (e.g., though the ostium and into the interior of the paranasal sinus). The scope may then be used to examine the anatomical structure (e.g., to view the condition of the mucosa lining the paranasal sinus and to look for signs of infection, tumors, etc.). The catheter 802 may then be advanced over the scope 804 and into the anatomical structure (e.g., the catheter tip may be advanced through the ostium and into the paranasal sinus). Thereafter, the scope 804 may be removed and a diagnostic or therapeutic substance as defined hereabove may be infused through the catheter 802 and/or another working device, including but not limited to the working devices shown in FIGS. 5A-5T and 5V-5Y¹¹¹¹¹, may be advanced through the catheter 802 and into the anatomical structure where it is used to perform a diagnostic or therapeutic function.

[0276] FIG. 5V shows a side port suction/cutting device 820 which comprises a flexible outer tube 822, a flexible inner tube 830 is disposed coaxially and rotatably mounted within the outer tube 822. One or more bearings 834 (e.g., a helical bearing or a series of individual cylindrical bearings) may be disposed between the outer tube 822 and inner tube 830, as shown. Alternatively, one or both apposing tube surfaces may be made of, lined with, or be coated by etc. a lubricious material such as silicone or PTFE to facilitate movement. A rotating cutter 832 is positioned on the distal end of the inner tube 830. A side opening 828 is formed in the outer tube 822 and the cutter 832 is positioned proximal to the side opening 828. Optionally, a tapered atraumatic distal tip 824 may be formed on the distal end of the outer tube 822 and the side opening 828 may be configured to form a ramp or chute through which matter may pass into the area immediately distal to the cutter 832. Also optionally, an opening maybe formed in the distal end of the distal tip such that a guidewire or scope 826 may pass through the lumen of the inner tube 830 and out of the opening in the distal tip, as shown. In operation, the device 820 is advanced to a position where the side opening 828 is near a polyp, tissue or other obstructive matter to be removed. The inner tube 830 and cutter 832 are rotated. Suction may be applied through the lumen of the inner tube 830 and/or through the lumen of the outer tube 822 to draw the obstructive matter into the side opening 828 and into contact with the rotating cutter 832. As the obstructive matter is severed by the rotating cutter 832, the severed obstructive matter or pieces thereof may be suctioned through the lumen of the inner tube 830 and/or through the lumen of the outer tube.822. Of course, as in any of the working devices described in this patent application, a scope or side lumen of any size or length, into which a scope may be inserted (not shown in FIG. 5U but shown in various other figures such as FIGS. 5O, 5P, 5Q, 5R, 5S and 5T) may be attached to the outer tube 822 at a position which allows a scope to be used to view the side opening 828 and matter entering the side opening 828. Alternatively, the catheter may incorporate a deflectable tip or a curved distal end which may force the side opening of the catheter against a lumen wall or into the direction of a polyp or other tissue to be removed.

[0277] In some applications of the invention, it may be desirable to break bone, such as the thin bone that forms the periphery of a sinus ostium. FIGS. 5W-5X¹¹¹¹¹ show devices that may be used to break bones at specific locations. For example, FIGS. 5W-5W″ show a device 840 that comprises a flexible catheter 842 having a rigid cylindrical member 847 located on the distal end thereof. An advanceable and retractable member 846 extends through the catheter 842 and is connected to a distal tip member 844. The distal tip member 844 has a cylindrical proximal end 849 that is sized to be received within the cylindrical member 847. As shown in FIGS. 5W¹ and 5W¹¹, in routine operation, the advanceable and retractable member 846 is advanced to separate the distal tip member 844 from the rigid cylindrical member 847. The device 840 is advanced to a position adjacent to a bony structure, such as a structure formed by bone B covered with mucosal tissue M. The device is positioned such that the bony structure is between the cylindrical proximal end 849 of the distal tip member 844 and the cylindrical member 847. The advanceable and retractable member 846 is then retracted, pulling the distal tip member 844 in the proximal direction and capturing the bony structure between the cylindrical proximal end 849 of the distal tip member 844 and the cylindrical member 847, thereby breaking the bone B. The shape or configuration of the distal tip member 844 and/or cylindrical member 847 may be varied depending on the shape and pattern of break desired to be made in the bone B. In this regard, FIGS. 5X-5X¹¹¹¹ show alternative constructions or configurations that may be used to produce different shapes and patterns of bone breaks. FIG. 5X¹ shows an assembly 850 comprising a distal tip member 852 that has three (3) projections on its proximal side and a proximal member 854 that has three (3) notches in its distal surface, such notches being configured to receive the three projections of the distal tip member 852 when the distal tip member 852 is retracted. FIG. 5W¹¹ shows an assembly 860 comprising a distal tip member that forms a pincher for breaking bone. FIG. 5X¹¹¹ shows an assembly 870 comprising a collapsible distal tip member 872 and a cylindrical proximal member 874. The distal tip member 872 may be initially deployed in a collapsed configuration that allows it to be advanced through an opening such as the ostium of a sinus. Then, it may be expanded to a size that is too large in diameter to pass through that opening, thereby causing it to strike the periphery of the opening as it Is retracted in the proximal direction. In this manner, the assembly 5X¹¹¹ may be used to break bone B all the way around an ostium or aperture. FIG. 5X¹¹¹¹ shows another assembly 880 comprising a distal tip 882 that has two projections on its proximal side and a proximal member 884 that has one projection on its distal side. The projection on the distal side of the proximal member 884 is received between the projections formed on the proximal side of the distal member 882 when the distal member 882 is retracted in the proximal direction.

[0278] FIGS. 5Y¹-5Y¹¹¹¹¹ show various substance delivery implants that may be implanted into the nasal cavities, paranasal sinuses, middle or inner ear, nasopharynx, etc., to deliver a diagnostic or therapeutic substance as defined herein. These devices may be formed of permanent or bio-absorbable material. In many instances, these devices will be formed of a polymer (e.g., Hydron, hydrogel, collagen, etc.) within which the diagnostic or therapeutic substance is contained or a polymer or metal that is coated with or otherwise contains the substance. FIG. 5Y¹ shows an implant 1070 that comprises a bead or pellet. FIG. 5Y¹¹ shows an implant 1072 that comprises a wafer. FIG. 5Y¹¹¹ shows an implant 1074 that comprises a brad or staple. FIG. 5Y¹¹¹¹ shows an implant 1076 that comprises a screw or helical coil. FIG. 5Y¹¹¹¹¹ shows an implant 1078 that comprises a strand or coil, another example of which is shown in FIG. 7E and described herebelow.

[0279] D. Pre-Shaped Guide Catheters

[0280] FIGS. 6A-6E show various guide catheters that may be used in the methods of the present invention.

[0281] FIG. 6A shows a sphenoid sinus guide catheter 120 that incorporates three preformed curves 122, 124, 126. The three dimensional shape of the catheter 120 is such that, when advanced through a nasal cavity, the distal end of the catheter 120 will tend to enter the ostium of the sphenoid sinus.

[0282] FIG. 6B shows a frontal sinus guide catheter 128 that incorporates two preformed curves 130, 133. The shape of the catheter 128 is such that, when advanced through a nasal cavity, the distal end of the catheter 128 will tend to enter the ostium of the frontal sinus.

[0283] FIG. 6C shows a maxillary sinus guide catheter 136 that incorporates three preformed curves 138, 140, 142. The three dimensional shape of the catheter 136 is such that, when advanced through a nasal cavity, the distal end of the catheter 136 will tend to enter the ostium of the maxillary sinus.

[0284] FIG. 6D shows an ethmoid sinus guide catheter 144 that incorporates two preformed curves 146,148. The three dimensional shape of the catheter 144 is such that, when advanced through a nasal cavity, the distal end of the catheter 144 will tend to enter the ostium of the ethmoid sinus.

[0285] In some of the methods of the invention, it will be desirable to plug the ostium of a sinus or another opening such as the nasolacrimal duct or the nasopharyngeal opening into the Eustachian tube. Thus, any of the above described guide catheters 120, 128, 136, 144 may be equipped with a plug on its distal tip such that when its distal end enters the sinus ostium it will plug the sinus thereby preventing fluid from exiting the sinus through the ostium. An example of one such procedure is shown in FIG. 7B and described herebelow.

[0286] FIG. 6E shows a plug guide catheter 149 that is useable for temporarily plugging the opening into a nasolacrimal duct. This plug guide catheter 149 has two preformed curves 150, 152 and a plug 154 at its distal tip. The three dimensional configuration of this catheter 149 is such that, when advanced through a nasal cavity the distal tip plug 154 will tend to enter the opening into the nasolacrimal duct. The plug may consist of, but is not limited to, a semi-rigid plug or a balloon on the end of the catheter. It will be appreciated that a different shaped plug guide catheter (not shown) may be used to plug the Eustachian tube.

[0287] E. Devices and Methods for Treatment within Paranasal Sinuses:

[0288] FIGS. 7A-7G provide examples of devices and methods for performing diagnostic or therapeutic procedures within the paranasal sinuses. In the methods of the prior art, rigid or flexible scopes are sometimes used to visualize the ostia of sinuses but, typically, such scopes have not actually been advanced into the interior of the sinuses. As described hereabove, the present invention does provide devices and methods for placing endoscopes inside the paranasal sinuses and such methods may or may not be used in conjunction with any of the diagnostic or therapeutic devices and methods shown in FIGS. 7A-7G.

[0289] FIG. 7A shows an electrode network delivery device 168 being used to deliver radiofrequency or electrical current to the lining of the sphenoid sinus SS. This device 168 comprises a flexible catheter 168 that has been inserted through the sphenoidal sinus ostium SSO. An expandable electrode network such as a cage 170 is advanced out of the distal end of the catheter 169. Electrodes 172 are positioned at spaced apart locations on the cage. As the cage 170 expands, it places the electrodes in contact with the lining of the sinus SS. Current is delivered to the electrodes 172 to ablate all mucous producing tissue within the sinus in preparation for the sinus to be functionally isolated or embolized, or to ablate tumors or polyps located within the sinus.

[0290] FIG. 7B shows a procedure where a flowable substance, such as a diagnostic or therapeutic substance as defined above, is introduced into the sphenoid sinus SS and the ostium SSO has been plugged by a sphenoid sinus plug guide catheter device 174. This device 174 comprises a flexible catheter 176 having the shape shown in FIG. 6A and described above and a plug member 178 at its distal tip. The fluid is maintained in the sphenoid sinus SS until the plug catheter device 174 is removed, allowing the fluid to then drain through the sphenoid sinus ostium SSO. This procedure may be particularly useful when it is desired to fill a sinus with radiographic contrast agent to visualize the entire sinus or to apply a therapeutic agent to the entire lining of the sinus by entirely filling the sinus with the agent and maintaining such fully filled state for a desired period of time to allow the agent to act on the entire lining of the sinus. Imaging materials may be mixed with viscous agents so that they simulate mucous or if simple structural imaging is desired it may be preferable to have substances of lower viscosity. It may be also desirable to use imaging agents which bind with the surface of the mucosa to minimize the amount of injected contrast.

[0291] FIG. 7C shows a balloon catheter device 180 which comprises a flexible catheter 182 having a balloon 184 that is positioned in the sphenoid sinus ostium SSO and inflated to hold the catheter 182 in position while a quantity of a diagnostic or therapeutic substance 186 (as defined above) is introduced into the interior of the sinus SS. This therapeutic substance may be one or more of any of the drug delivery materials and drugs selected from the previous list, or may additionally include a sclerotic agent such as alcohol to uniformly kill all the tissues within the cavity. Other materials such as capasian or other neurotoxic substances may be considered to eliminate the pain and other sensation within the cavity.

[0292] FIG. 7D shows a sensor equipped catheter device 190 that comprises a flexible catheter 192 having a sensor 194 thereon for 3-dimensional mapping or navigation. This procedure may be used to map the precise configuration of the interior of the sphenoid sinus SS. Examples of the construction and use of such sensor 194 and associated systems/computers are found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,361; U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,568; U.S. Pat. No. 5,730,128; U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,401; U.S. Pat. No. 5,578,007; U.S. Pat. No. 5,558,073; U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,717; U.S. Pat. No. 5,568,809; U.S. Pat. No. 5,694,945; U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,946; U.S. Pat. No. 5,729,129; U.S. Pat. No. 5,752,513; U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,608; U.S. Pat. No. 5,935,061; U.S. Pat. No. 5,931,818; U.S. Pat. No. 6,171,303; U.S. Pat. No. 5,931,818; U.S. Pat. No. 5,343,865; U.S. Pat. No. 5,425,370; U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,388; U.S. Pat. No. 6,015,414; U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,823 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,176,829, the entireties of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0293] FIG. 7E shows an implant delivery device 196 which comprises a flexible catheter 198 that is inserted through the sphenoid sinus ostium SSO and into the sphenoid sinus SS and is being used to implant a coil 200 within the sphenoid sinus. Such coil 200 may comprise an elongate fiber or other elongate member that may contain a diagnostic or therapeutic substance as defined herein. This coil 200 may be constructed to embolize the sinus for the purpose of to permanently close off the sinus and to prevent any further mucous production, trapping of secretions or infection and/or to deliver a diagnostic or therapeutic substance to the tissues lining the sinus. For example, a coil for sustained delivery of an antimicrobial agent may be implanted in a sinus to treat an acute or chronic infection of that sinus. In some cases, the coil may be bio-absorbable.

[0294] FIG. 7F shows an over-the-wire endoscopic system 240 being used to view the interior of the sphenoid sinus SS. A flexible catheter 242 is positioned in or near the sphenoid sinus ostium SSO and a guidewire 248 is advanced through the sphenoid sinus ostium SSO and into the sphenoid sinus SS. An over-the-wire endoscope 246 (such as a 2.2 mm over-the-wire scope available commercially as Model #AF-28C from Olympus America, Melville, N.Y.) is advanced over the guidewire 248 and is used to examine the interior of the sphenoid sinus SS.

[0295] FIG. 7G shows a biopsy system 250 being used to obtain a biopsy specimen from a lesion L within the sphenoid sinus SS. A flexible catheter 242 is positioned in or near the sphenoid sinus ostium SSO and an endoscope 246 is advanced through the catheter 242 and into the interior of the sinus SS. A biopsy instrument 252 is inserted through a working channel of the endoscope 246 and is used, under endoscopic visualization and guidance, to obtain a specimen of the lesion L.

[0296] F. General Examples of Interventions Using the Occluder & Access Devices and/or Working Devices

[0297] FIGS. 8A-8D show two of many possible examples of methods wherein the occluder & access devices 10, 12 of FIGS. 2A and 2B and/or various working devices such as those shown in FIGS. 5A-5Y¹¹¹¹ are used to perform diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures within the nose, nasopharynx or paranasal sinuses.

[0298] In general, diagnostic interventions in accordance with this invention may include:

[0299] a) anatomic studies where obstructions, sizes, parameters or abnormalities in anatomy are visualized and/or identified, b) dynamic studies where gas, mucous or fluid is introduced into the nose, sinus, nasal cavity, nasopharynx, Eustachian tube, inner or middle ear, etc. and the movement of such materials is monitored to assess drainage or gas flow issues, and
c) perturbation studies where an agent (e.g., an allergen, irritant, agent that induces mucous production, etc.) is introduced into the nose, sinus, nasal cavity, nasopharynx, Eustachian tube, inner or middle ear, etc., and the patient's response and/or flow of the endogenously produced mucous or other secretions is assessed. Examples of procedures that may be used to perform these types of diagnostic interventions include, but are not limited to, the following:

[0300] 1. Gaining Access To Sinus:

[0301] Access to one of more of the paranasal sinuses is gained by advancement of catheter(s) into the sinus or sinuses of interest. A guidewire may be inserted into the sinus first and the catheter may then be advanced over the guidewire and into the sinus. In some cases, a sinus ostium guide catheter of the type shown in FIGS. 6A-6E may be inserted into the ostium of the sinus and a smaller catheter may be advanced through the guide catheter. One or more scopes may be used to visualize the sinus ostium and to guide the guidewire and/or catheter into the sinus ostium. In some cases, a steerable guidewire, catheter and/or scope may be used to gain entry into the sinus. In some cases, occlusion & access device(s) such as those shown in FIGS. 2A-2R, may be inserted and the guidewire(s), catheter(s) and/or scope(s) used to access the sinus may be inserted through a device insertion port on the occluder & access device.

[0302] 2. Mucous Flow Study:

[0303] Optionally, after catheter access to the sinus has been gained, an imageable contrast substance or radioactive material such as microbeads or a flowable contrast medium (e.g., an iodinated contrast solution with or without a thickening agent to adjust its viscosity to that of mucous) that may have a consistency similar to that of mucous may be injected into the sinus. An imaging or scanning technique (e.g., X-ray, fluoroscopy, CT scan, ultrasound, MRI, radiation detector, gamma camera, etc.) may then be used to observe the flow of the contrast medium through and out of the sinus. In some cases a fluoroscope with a C-arm may be used in a fashion similar to that used in coronary artery catheterization and angiography procedures to allow the clinician to view the movement of the contrast medium from different vantage points or angles. To facilitate flow of the contrast medium from the sinus, the previously inserted catheter(s) and/or guidewires and/or scope(s) may be backed out of the sinus and ostium or removed completely, to allow normal flow to occur. The patient's head and/or other body parts may be repositioned to observe different postural drainage effects. In this manner, the clinician may specifically locate and identify which anatomical structures are obstructing or interfering with normal mucous flow from the sinus.

[0304] 3. Air Flow Study:

[0305] Optionally, after access to the sinus has been gained as described in No. 1, above, an imageable or traceable gas, such as a radiolabeled gas, radiopaque gas or a gas with imageable or radioactive microbeads therein, may be injected through a catheter and into the sinus. An imaging device or tracing device (e.g., radiation detector, gamma camera, X-ray, fluoroscopy, CT scan, ultrasound, MRI) may then be used to observe subsequent movement or dissipation of the gas as it passes out of the sinus and/or equilibrates with other sinus cavities. In this manner, the clinician may determine whether normal gas exchange in the sinus is occurring and may locate and identify any anatomical structures or irregularities that are obstructing or interfering with normal gas flow and/or gas exchange.

[0306] 4. Anatomic Dimension Study:

[0307] An entire paranasal sinus or other anatomical passageway or structure may be filled with an imageable substance or otherwise measured to determine its actual dimensions and/or configuration. In some such studies, access to a paranasal sinus will be gained as described in No. 1, above, and the sinus may be filled with an imageable substance (e.g., contrast medium). A suitable imaging technique (e.g., X-ray, fluoroscopy, CT scan, ultrasound, MRI, radiation detector, gamma camera, etc.) may then be used to determine the size and shape of the sinus. Again, in such procedure, a moveable imaging apparatus such as a fluoroscope with a C-arm may be used to view and measure the contrast filled sinus from different vantage points or angles. One example of such a procedure is shown in FIG. 7B and described hereabove.

[0308] 5. Endoscopic Study:

[0309] A flexible and/or steerable endoscope, as described above, may be inserted into the nose, sinus, nasal cavity, nasopharynx, Eustachian tube, inner or middle ear, etc., and used to visually examine the anatomy and/or to observe a treatment and/or to assess the efficacy or completeness of a previously rendered treatment. In cases where it is desired to view the interior of a paranasal sinus, access to the sinus may be gained as described in No. 1, above, and the endoscope may be advanced into the interior of the sinus either directly or over a guidewire.

[0310] 6. Transillumination Study:

[0311] A flexible light emitting instrument (e.g., a catheter having a powerful light emitting apparatus at its distal end) may be advanced into the nose, paranasal sinus, nasal cavity, nasopharynx, Eustachian tube, inner or middle ear, etc., and used to illuminate anatomical structures. Direct or endoscopic observation may then be made from outside the body and/or from other locations within the nose, sinus, nasal cavity, nasopharynx, Eustachian tube, inner or middle ear, orbit, cranial vault, etc., to observe anatomical structures and/or to detect aberrant openings or leaks through which the light passes. In cases where the light emitter and/or the viewing instrument (e.g., endoscope) is/are positioned within paranasal sinus(es) access to the sinus(es) may be gained as described in No. 1, above, and the light emitter and/or viewing instrument may then be advanced into the sinus(es) either directly or over guidewire(s).

[0312] 7. Other Imaging Studies:

[0313] Other imaging techniques such as MRI, CT, etc., in combination with any of the modalities set forth in Nos. 1-6, above, and modifications may be made to any of those techniques to adjust for sinus anatomy or other pathology.

[0314] After any or all of the elected diagnostic studies have been completed, one or more working devices, such as the flexible devices described herein and shown in FIGS. 5A-5Y¹¹ may be inserted and used to perform therapeutic procedure(s).

[0315] As shown in the example of FIG. 8A, an anterior/posterior occluder & access device 10 is inserted through the right nasal cavity NC, The device's anterior occluder 14 is positioned to occlude the nostril on the right side while its posterior occluder (not seen in FIGS. 8A-8E) occludes the posterior choanae or nasopharynx. An anterior occluder & access device 12 is inserted into the left nasal cavity and its occluder 40 occludes the left nostril. In this manner, a sealed operative field is established between the posterior occluder positioned in the posterior choanae or nasopharynx and the anterior occluders 14, 40 positioned in the right and left nostrils or anterior nasal cavities.

[0316] FIGS. 8B-8C show an example of a method for performing a diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedure in the right frontal sinus FS in the patient in whom the occluder & access devices 10, 14 have been inserted. In FIG. 8B, a frontal sinus guide catheter 128 is inserted into the working device insertion port 30 and advanced through tube 16 and out of outlet aperture 22. The guide catheter 128 is then advanced to a position where its distal end is in the right frontal sinus ostium.

[0317] In FIG. 8C, a working device 202 is inserted through the guide catheter 128 and into the frontal sinus FS. This working device 202 may comprise any of the devices shown in FIGS. 5A-5Y¹¹¹¹¹ or 7A-7G. In some procedures, it may be desired to initially introduce a contrast agent into the frontal sinus FS and pull back the guide catheter 128 to allow the contrast agent to drain from the sinus. Imaging of the draining contrast agent may be used to diagnose drainage impairment and to identify the specific anatomical structures that are causing the impairment of drainage. Thereafter, the guide catheter may be reinserted into the frontal sinus ostium and the working device(s) 202 may be used to modify the structures that have been identified and impairments to drainage. Thereafter, the contrast injection and imaging steps may be repeated to assess whether the procedure(s) performed have overcome or corrected the drainage problem that had been initially diagnosed. A suction device 206 is connected by way of suction line 204 to port 36 to suction blood, other fluid or debris from the operative field during the procedure.

[0318] FIGS. 8D and 8E show an example of a treatment rendered to the left maxillary sinus MS, in the same patient in whom the occluder & access devices 10, 14 have been inserted. In FIG. 8D, a guide catheter 136 is inserted into device insertion aperture 44 and advanced through tube 41 to a position where the distal end of the guide catheter 136 is positioned in the ostium of the maxillary sinus MS.

[0319] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 8E, a working device 202 is inserted through the guide catheter 136 and into the maxillary sinus MS. This working device 202 may comprise any of the devices shown in FIGS. 5A-Y¹¹¹¹¹ or 7A-7G. In some procedures, it may be desired to initially introduce a contrast agent into the maxillary sinus MS by the same procedure described above in reference to FIGS. 8B and 8C.

[0320] After all of the desired procedures have been completed, the anterior occluders 14, 40 and posterior occluder (not shown on FIGS. 8A-8E) are collapsed (e.g., deflated) and the occluder & access devices as well as the guide catheters and working devices are removed (except for implants such as stents, embolic coils, substance delivery implants, etc.).

[0321] G. Cochlear Implant Procedure

[0322] FIGS. 9A-9C show a procedure for installation of a cochlear implant in accordance with the present invention. In this procedure, the nasopharyngeal opening into the Eustachian tube ET is located and a guidewire is initially advanced into the Eustachian tube ET. A catheter 900 is advanced over the guidewire to a location where the distal end of the catheter 900 is in or near the tympanic cavity TC of the middle ear. Thereafter, if deemed necessary, a forceps device 790 and/or other devices are advanced through the catheter 900 and used to remove the small bones of the sear (i.e., the malleus, incur and stirrup) as shown in FIG. 9A. This optional removal of the bones of the middle ear may be done under endoscopic visualization using an endoscope equipped device such as the endoscope equipped forceps device 790 shown in FIG. 5T and described above. As shown in FIG. 9B, a cochlear guide catheter 904 having a “J”-shaped distal tip 905 is advanced through the catheter 900 to a position where the tip 905 of the cochlear guide catheter 904 is directed into or inserted into the cochlea C. In some applications, the cochlear guide catheter 904 may be configured to advance into the round window of the cochlea and through the secondary tympanic membrane that covers the round window. If necessary, a penetrator such as a needle, drill or cutter may be advanced through or formed or positioned on the distal end of the cochlear guide catheter 904 to penetrate through the secondary tympanic membrane. In other applications, the cochlear guide catheter 904 may be positioned adjacent to the cochlea and a cochleostomy device (e.g., a penetrator such as a drill, needle or cutter) may be advanced through or formed or positioned on the distal end of the cochlear guide catheter 904 and used to form a cochleostomy through which the distal end of the guide catheter 904 is advanced into the cochlea C. Thereafter, a cochlear electrode array 906 is advanced through the cochlear guide catheter 904 and into the cochlea, as seen in FIG. 9B. One example of a commercially available cochlear electrode array is the Nucleus 24 Contour device manufactured by Cochlear Corporation.

[0323] Thereafter, a sound receiving device or transducer 908 is advanced through the catheter 900 and positioned in the tympanic cavity TC. The sound receiving device or transducer 908 may be of any type that is a) sufficiently small to pass through the Eustachian tube ET and into the tympanic cavity TC, and b) useable to perform the desired function of converting sound waves to electrical impulses and delivering such electrical impulses to the cochlear electrode array 906. A microphone/power/electronics device 910 may be positioned in the outer ear canal, as shown in FIG. 9C or may be implanted subcutaneously or in any other way that is acceptable. Certain non-limiting examples of devices 906, 908, 910 that may be useable for this procedure are set forth in PCT International Patent Publication No. WO 2004/018980 A2, designating the United States, the entirety of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0324] Turning now to FIG. 10, an illustration of a patient being treated by a system for catheter-based minimally invasive sinus surgery is shown. A C-arm fluoroscope 1.0001 that is useable to visualize a first introducing device 1.002 (e.g., a sinus guide, guide catheter or guide tube), a second introducing device 1.004 (e.g., a guidewire or elongated probe) and a working device 1.006 (e.g., a balloon catheter, other dilatation catheter, debrider, cutter, etc.). The sinus guide, guide catheter or guide tube 1.002 may be introduced under direct visualization, visualization provided by fluoroscope 1.0001 and/or from endoscopic visualization, to place the distal end of catheter or tube 1.002 at a location approaching an ostium of a sinus to be treated. Next guidewire or elongated probe 1.004 is inserted through catheter or tube 1.002 and distally advanced to extend the distal end of guidewire or elongated probe through the ostium to be treated and into the sinus that the ostium opens to. Proper placement often involves advancement and retraction of the distal end of guidewire or elongated probe, under fluoroscopic visualization, until it has been visually confirmed that the distal end of the guidewire or elongated probe is located where the surgeon believes the appropriate sinus to be located, relative to the other features of the patient's head that are visualized under fluoroscopy.

[0325] Once guidewire or elongated probe 1.004 has been properly placed, working device 1.006 is next passed over the guidewire or elongated probe 1.006, under visualization via fluoroscope 1.0001 and/or an endoscope (not shown) that has been inserted adjacent catheter or tube 1.002, to place the working end of working device 1.006 in the target location where a surgical procedure is to be performed. Typically, the guidewire or elongated probe remains in place during the procedure. Under the same type(s) of visualization, the working (distal) end of working device is then actuated to perform the desired surgical procedure. In the case of a dilatation catheter, the balloon at the distal end portion of catheter 1.006 is expanded once it has been located across the ostium. This expansion acts to open the ostium to allow proper mucus flow, as was described in more detail above.

[0326] After performance of the desired surgical procedure, the working device 1.006 is deactivated and withdrawn from the patient, after which the remaining devices are withdrawn to complete the procedure.

[0327] By using the devices and methods described herein, at least the need for fluoroscopic visualization of the placement of the guidewire/elongated probe can be reduced or eliminated. Further optionally, all fluoroscopic visualization needs may be eliminated in some surgical circumstances.

[0328] It is to be appreciated that the devices and methods of the present invention relate to the accessing and dilatation or modification of sinus ostia or other passageways within the ear, nose and throat. These devices and methods may be used alone or may be used in conjunction with other surgical or non-surgical treatments, including but not limited to the delivery or implantation of devices and drugs or other substances as described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/912,578, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,361,186 on Apr. 22, 2008.

[0329] FIGS. 11A through 11D are illustrations of partial sagittal sectional views through a human head showing various steps of a method of gaining access to a paranasal sinus using a sinus guide. In FIG. 11A, a first introducing device in the form of a sinus guide 1.002 is introduced through a nostril and through a nasal cavity 1.012 to a location close to an ostium 1.014 of a sphenoid sinus 1.016. Sinus guide 1.002 may be straight, malleable, or it may incorporate one or more preformed curves or bends as further described in U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2006/0004323; 2006/0063973; and 2006/0095066, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,462,175 on Dec. 9, 2008, for example, each of which are incorporated herein, in their entireties, by reference thereto. In embodiments where sinus guide 1.002 is curved or bent, the deflection angle of the curve or bend may be in the range of up to about 135 degrees.

[0330] In FIG. 11B, a second introduction device comprising a guidewire 1.01 is introduced through the first introduction device (i.e., sinus guide 1.002) and advanced so that the distal end portion of guidewire 1.01 enters the sphenoid sinus 1.016 through the ostium 1.014.

[0331] In FIG. 11C, a working device 1.006, for example a balloon catheter, is introduced over guidewire 1.01 and advanced to extend the distal end portion of device 1.006 into the sphenoid sinus 1.016. Thereafter, in FIG. 11D, working device 1.006 is used to perform a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure. In this particular example, the procedure is dilatation of the sphenoid sinus ostium 1.014, as is illustrated in FIG. 11D, where the balloon of device 1.006 is expanded to enlarge the opening of the ostium 1.014. After completion of the procedure, sinus guide 1.002, guidewire 1.01 and working device 1.006 are withdrawn and removed. It will be appreciated that the present invention may also be used to dilate or modify any sinus ostium or other man-made or naturally occurring anatomical opening or passageway within the nose, paranasal sinuses, nasopharynx or adjacent areas. As will also be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, in this or any of the procedures described in this patent application, the operator may additionally advance other types of catheters, and that guidewire 1.01 may be steerable (e.g. torquable, actively deformable) or shapeable or malleable.

[0332] FIGS. 11B-11D show an optional scope 1.008 in dotted lines, that may be inserted to provide visualization of advancement of sinus guide 1.002 and/or inserted alongside catheter 1.002 to provide visualization of all or at least a portion of working tool 1.006. It is to be appreciated that optional scope 1.008 may comprise any suitable types of rigid or flexible endoscope and such optional scope may be separate from or incorporated into the working devices and/or introduction devices of the present invention.

[0333] Although scope 1.008 may be useful to reduce or eliminate the need for fluoroscopic visualization during placement of sinus guide 1.002 and/or for visualization of the procedure performed by working device 1.006, it does not provide stand-alone capability to see inside the sinus (e.g., sphenoid sinus 1.016 or other sinus of interest), and therefore cannot provide sufficient visual feedback for use in guiding guidewire 1.01 into the desired sinus (e.g., frontal sinus, or some other sinus of interest) or sufficient visual image confirmation of correct placement of guidewire 1.01 into the desired sinus.

[0334] Further, depending upon the particular configuration of the sinus passageways to be traversed to gain access to a target ostium, the scope 1.008, due to physical limitations (e.g., outside diameter, degree of rigidity, etc.) may be unable to visualize as deep as the location of the ostium of interest. For example, FIG. 12 illustrates a situation where scope 1.008 has been inserted as far as possible without causing significant trauma to the patient. The range of adequately illuminated visibility in this case does not extend all the way to ostium 1.0201, as indicated schematically by the rays 1.009 shown extending distally from scope 1.008. In this case, adequately illuminated visualization of guidewire 1.01 into ostium 1.0201 would not be possible via scope 1.008. Additionally, if sinus guide 1.002 is physically capable of being extended further distally to place the distal end thereof at the approach to ostium 1.0201, scope 1.008 would also not be capable of adequately visualizing this. Thus, prior to the current invention, fluoroscopic or other x-ray visualization of these procedures was required, in order to ensure that the devices approach (and extend through) the appropriate ostium 1.0201 and not another adjacent opening, such as opening 1.024.

[0335] In order to overcome these and other problems, the guidewire devices 1.01 of the present invention include their own light emitting capability. By illuminating a distal end portion of guidewire 1.01, a process known as transillumination occurs as guidewire 1.01 traverses through the sinus passageways, passes through an ostium and enters a sinus cavity. Transillumination refers to the passing of light through the walls of a body part or organ. Thus, when guidewire 1.01 is located in a sinus, the light emitted from guidewire 1.01 passes through the facial structures and appears as a glowing region on the skin (e.g., face) of the patient. It is noted that the light emitted from scope 1.008, such as positioned in FIG. 12, for example, results in transillumination as well, but the resultant glow is much more diffuse and larger in area. As the light source in guidewire 1.01 gets closer to the surface of the structure that it is inserted into (e.g., the surface of the sinus), the transillumination effect becomes brighter and more focused (i.e., smaller in area). Additionally, the movements of the guidewire 1.01 can be tracked by following the movements of the transillumination spot produced on the skin of the patient.

[0336] FIG. 13 shows an illuminating guidewire 1.01 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Device 1.01 includes a flexible distal end portion 1.0d that provides a similar degree of flexibility to a standard, non-illuminating type of guidewire. Distal end portion 1.0d may include a coil 1.0c as an exterior portion thereof, to help provide the desired flexibility to this portion. The proximal end portion 10p of device 1.01 extends the device to provide a sufficient length so that device 1.01 extends proximally out of the patient (and, when inserted through another device, such as a sinus guide, proximally out of the device into which guidewire 1.01 is inserted), at all times, including the deepest location into which the distal end of device 1.01 is placed. The proximal end portion 1.p can have visible markings, preferably spaced at equal intervals, that can be observed by the user to confirm how far the guidewire 1.01 has been placed in the patient. Proximal end portion 1.0p also provides the necessary mechanical properties required to make the guidewire function properly. These mechanical properties include torquability, i.e., the ability to torque the proximal end portion 10.p from a location outside of the patient and have that torque transmitted to the distal end portion 10.p; pushability, i.e., sufficient rigidity, so that when an operator pushes on the proximal end portion 110.p from a location outside of the patient, the pushing force transmits to the distal portion 10.d to advance the distal portion 1.0p without buckling the device 1.0; and tensile strength so that an operator can pull on the proximal end portion 1.0p from a location outside of the patient and withdraw device 1.01 from the patient without significant plastic deformation or any disintegration of the device.

[0337] Coil 1.0c may be formed from a stainless steel wire, for example. The diameter of the coil wire can be between about 0.004 and about 0.008 inches, typically about 0.006 inches. Alternative materials from which coil 1.0c may be formed include, but are not limited to: ELGILOY®, CONICHROME® or other biocompatible cobalt-chromium-nickel alloy; nickel-titanium alloys, or other known biocompatible metal alloys having similar characteristics. Further alternatively, distal end portion may comprise a braided metallic construction of any of the aforementioned materials in lieu of a coil.

[0338] The external casing of the proximal portion 1.0p can be made from a polyimide sheath, a continuous coil (optionally embedded in polymer or having polymer laminated thereon), a hypotube (e.g., stainless steel hypotube), a laser-cut hypotube, a cable tube, or a tube made from PEBAX® (nylon resin) or other medical grade resin. In any of these cases the construction needs to meet the required torquability, pushability and tensile requirements of the device.

[0339] In the example shown, coil 1.0c is joined to proximal portion 1.0p by solder, epoxy or other adhesive or mechanical joint. One or more illumination channels 1.0i are provided in device 1.01 and extend the length thereof. Illumination channels 1.0i are configured to transport light from the proximal end of device 1.01 to and out of the distal end of device 1.01. In the example shown, two illumination channels are provided, each comprising a plastic illumination fiber. The plastic used to make the illumination fibers is compounded for light transmission properties according to techniques known and available in the art. As one example, ESKATM (Mitsubishi Rayon), a high performance plastic optical fiber may be used, which has a concentric double-layer structure with high-purity polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) core and a thin layer of specially selected transparent fluorine polymer cladding. In one example, illumination fibers each have an outside diameter of about 0.010″. The illumination fibers can have an outside diameter in the range of about 0.005 inches to about 0.010 inches. Alternatively, a single plastic illumination fiber 1.0i may be used that has an outside diameter of about 0.020″. Further alternatively, glass illumination fibers may be substituted which are much smaller in outside diameter, e.g., about 0.002″. In this case, more illumination fibers may be provided in a bundle, e.g., about six to fifty glass fibers 1.0i may be provided.

[0340] The distal end of device 1.01 is sealed by a transparent (or translucent) seal 1.0s which may be in the form of epoxy or other transparent or translucent adhesive or sealing material. Seal 1.0s maintains the distal ends of illumination fibers 1.0i coincident with the distal end of device 1.01 and also provides an atraumatic tip of the device 1.01. Further, seal 1.0s prevents entrance of foreign materials into the device. The distal end can be designed to either focus or distribute the light as it emanates therefrom, to achieve maximum transillumination effects. In this regard, the distal end can include a lens, prism or diffracting element.

[0341] The proximal end of device 1.01 is also sealed by a transparent (or translucent) seal 1.0ps which may be in the form of epoxy or other transparent or translucent adhesive or sealing material. Seal 1.0ps maintains the proximal ends of illumination fibers 1.0i coincident with the proximal end of device 1.01. The proximal end of device 1.01 may be further prepared by grinding and polishing to improve the optical properties at the interface of the proximal end of device 1.01 with a light source. The illumination fibers 1.0i at locations intermediate of the proximal and distal ends need not be, and typically are not fixed, since no mapping of these fibers is required, as device 1.01 provides only illumination, not a visualization function like that provided by an endoscope. Further, by leaving illumination fibers free to move at locations between the proximal and distal ends, this increases the overall flexibility and bendability of device 1.01 relative to a similar arrangement, but where the illumination fibers 10i are internally fixed.

[0342] The outside diameter of device 1.01 may be in the range of about 0.025 inches to about 0.040 inches, typically about 0.030 to 0.038 inches, and in at least one embodiment, is about 0.035″:1:0.005″. At least the distal portion 1.0d of device 1.01 is provided with a core support 1.0cw that is contained therein. In the example shown in FIG. 4, core support 1.0cw is a wire that is fixed to proximal section 1.0p such as by laser welding, epoxy or other adhesive or mechanical fixture. Core support 1.0cw may extend substantially the full length of device 1.01. In any case, core support 1.0cw is typically formed from stainless steel NITINOL (nickel-titanium alloy) or other biocompatible nickel-titanium alloys, cobalt-chromium alloys, or other metal alloys that are biocompatible and provide the necessary rigidity and torquability. Core support 1.0cw may be formed as a wire, as in the example shown in FIG. 13, or alternatively, may be braided from any of the same materials or combination of materials mentioned above. Core support 1.0cw, when formed as a wire can be ground to different diameters to provide varying amounts of rigidity and torquability. When formed as a braid, the braid can be formed to have varying amounts of rigidity and torquability along the length thereof. For example, core wire 1.0cw has a larger outside diameter at the proximal end portion than at the distal end portion so that it is more rigid and transfers more torque from the proximal portion of device 1.01, whereas at the distal end portion, core 1.0cw is relatively more flexible and twistable. For core supports 1.0cw that extend through proximal portion 1.0p, the portion of core support near the proximal end of device 1.01 may have an even larger outside diameter.

[0343] Core support 10cw particularly increases the pushability and the torquability of coil 1.0c which, by itself, is quite flexible and twistable. Combined with the core support 1.0cw, the distal portion is much more effective at transferring pushing and torquing forces without buckling or twisting. Additionally, core support 1.0cw may be plastically deformed or memory set into a bent shape, an example of which is shown in FIG. 14. Bend 1.0b provides a steerability function, allowing an operator to direct the distal end of device 1.0in different directions by torquing device about the longitudinal axis of the device, as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 14. In some embodiments this bending can be performed by an operator in the midst of a procedure, which can be particularly useful in combination with a scope 1.008, as viewing through the scope may make it apparent to the operator that the guidewire 1.01 needs to be inserted or directed at an angle offset from where the straight direction along the longitudinal axis of the device would direct it to. In some embodiments, the guidewire 1.01 does not have a core support or core wire. In these embodiments, the outer jacket (e.g., a coil, cable tube, laser-cut hypotube, braided polymer tube, etc.) provides the support for torque, pushability and tension. An advantage of not having a core wire/core support is that the full inner diameter of the guidewire is then available to be filled with illumination fibers.

[0344] The illumination fibers, as noted above, can be free to move about radially within the device. Further, there is no need to center the illumination fibers 1.0i with respect to device 1.01 even at the distal and proximal ends of the device. FIG. 15 is a sectional illustration of a distal end portion of device 1.01 showing core support 1.0cw fixed to coil 1.0c, with illumination fibers 1.0i residing adjacent to core support 1.0cw, but not fixed to either core support 10cw or coil 1.0c.

[0345] The plastic or glass illumination fibers 1.0i of the device shown in FIG. 13 are typically used to transmit light from a light source such as one provided in a operating room for use by endoscopes, e.g., xenon light source, halogen light source, metal halide light source, etc. Alternatively, device 1.01 may be configured to transmit light from other light sources, such as a laser light source, wherein laser fibers 1.0f would be substituted for the illumination fibers described above, and extend through device 1.01 in a fiber optic bundle as illustrated in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 16. The fiber optic bundle, like the illumination fibers 1.0i, contributes to stiffness (in both bending and torquing motions) of device 1.01, thereby enhancing trackability, steering and other torquing.

[0346] FIG. 17 illustrates another embodiment of an illuminating guidewire 1.01. In this example, proximal end portion of device 1.01 is formed externally by a coil with a polymer layer laminated thereon, but any of the other arrangements described above may be substituted. In this example, illumination is provided by a high intensity light emitting diode (LED) 1.0id fitted at the distal end of device 1.01. The proximal end of device 1.01 may be sealed such as with epoxy, or any of the other alternatives mentioned above with regard to the proximal end of device 1.01 in FIG. 13, in order to prevent pulling on the wires 1.0iw at the connections with LED 1.0id, as well as to seal the proximal end of the device. Grinding and polishing are not necessary, as the proximal end of device 1.01 in FIG. 17 does not transmit light.

[0347] Device 1.01 in FIG. 17 performs substantially similar to the device 1.01 of FIG. 13 with regard to the properties of push ability, torquability and tensile properties. Device 1.01 of FIG. 17, however, does not require illumination fibers or laser fibers. Instead, a pair of insulated lead wires are electrically connected to the terminals of LED 1.0id (not shown) and then extend within device 1.01 over the length of device 1.01 to extend proximally from the proximal end of device 1.01. The free ends of wires 10w are configured to be connected to a power source that functions as the source of electrical power, to deliver electrical energy to LED 10id to illuminate it. FIG. 18 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a distal end portion of device 1.01 of FIG. 17. In this example, core support 1.0cw is in the form of a flattened distal end core wire or shaping ribbon as known in the art, that extends between the two wires 1.0w. FIG. 18 also illustrates the insulation layer 1.0iw over each wire.

[0348] Any of the devices 1.01 described herein may optionally include one or more radiopaque markers and/or electromagnetic coils on the tip of the device 1.01 and/or elsewhere along the device for enhancing visibility by fluoroscopy systems, image guided surgery (IGS) systems, or other visualization systems.

[0349] FIG. 19 shows an alternative design of device 1.0in which light is emitted proximally of the distal end of the device. This configuration may employ any of the various light transmission means described above (e.g., illumination fibers, laser fibers, LED). The proximal portion 1.0p may be constructed in any of the manners described above with regard to other embodiments of device 1.0.

[0350] The distal portion 1.0d includes a transparent proximal end portion 1.0dp that mounts over the distal end of proximal end portion 1.0p of the device 1.01. The transparent portion 1.0dp permits the illumination emitted from illumination member 1.0i or 1.0id to pass out of the device 1.01 at the location of transparent portion 1.0dp. The illumination member(s) 1.0i or 1.0id thus terminate at the proximal end portion 1.0dp of the distal end portion of device 1.01. Distally of this transparent portion 1.0dp, the distal portion 1.0dd of distal end portion 1.0d of device 1.01 extends as a floppy guidewire leader or tip. This floppy guidewire leader or tip 1.0dd may include a coiled section 1.0c and may optionally include a core support 1.0cw in the manner described above with regard to FIG. 4. The light emitted from illumination fibers will disperse naturally through the transparent portion 1.0dp. Optionally, a deflector 1.1, such as a convex mirror (e.g., parabolic or other convex) shape or other reflective surface may be provided distally of illumination fibers/light emitting portion 1.01, 1.0id of device 1.01 to deflect light rays out of the transparent portion. Additionally, or further alternatively, illumination fibers 1.0i may be angled at the distal end portions thereof to direct the emitted light out through the transparent portion. This configuration may be beneficial in further protecting the illumination emitter(s) 1.0i, 1.0id from foreign materials inside the body, as well as from trauma that may be induced by bumping the illumination emitter up against structures within the body. Further, a floppy guidewire leader 1.0dd of this type may provide more flexibility and maneuverability than a device in which the illumination emitter is located on the distal tip of the device.

[0351] Transparent portion 1.0dp may be provided as a clear plastic or glass integral tube, or may have openings or windows 1.0t provided therein (see the partial view of FIG. 19). Further alternatively, transparent portion may be formed by a plurality of struts 1.0st circumferentially arranged to interconnect the distal floppy tip 1.0dd with the proximal end portion 1.0p of device 1.01 as shown in the partial illustration of FIG. 21. Alternatively members 1.0st may be intersecting in a criss-crossing cage like configuration or other cage configuration. In any of these alternative configurations, members 1.0st may be transparent, but need not be and could be formed of non-transparent materials, such as metals or opaque plastics, for example.

[0352] Device 1.01 should be readily connectable to and disconnectable from a power source to enable attachment for providing illumination for positioning the guidewire 1.01 and/or other devices during a procedure, detachment to allow another device to be slid onto the guidewire 1.01 from a free proximal end thereof, and reattachment to again provide illumination, to assist in guidance/visualization of the device being passed over the guidewire 1.01, for example.

[0353] FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate one example of a coupler 2.01 that is configured for quick connection and disconnection of an illumination guidewire 1.01 that employs illumination fibers 1.0i or laser fibers 1.0f. Coupler 2.01 is connected to a light source 1.0301, such as a conventional endoscope light source, for example, or other light source capable of delivering preferably at least 10,000 lux through coupler 2.01. Light cable 1.032 optically connects connector 2.01 with light source 1.0301 to deliver light from the light source 1.0301 to connector 2.01. Light cable 1.032 can optionally be a fluid-filled light cable, such as the type provided with DYMAX BLUEWAVE™ 200 and ADAC SYSTEMS CURE SPOT™ light cables, for example. A liquid filled light cable comprises a light conducting liquid core within plastic tubing. The liquid is non-toxic, non-flammable and transparent from 270 to 720 nm. The ends of a liquid tilled light cable can be sealed with high quality quartz glass and metal spiral tubing surrounded by a plastic sleeve for exterior protection.

[0354] Connector 2.01 includes a proximal channel, slot or bore 2.2 that has an inside dimension or circumference that is slightly greater than the outside diameter or circumference of device 1.01 at the proximal end portion 1.0p. A quick release locking mechanism 2.4 is provided for locking and unlocking device 1.01 within connector 2.01. Quick release locking mechanism is biased toward the locking position shown in FIG. 22B, in which the locking portion 2.4a of mechanism 2.4 is driven into channel slot or bore 2.2 and may even abut against the opposite wall of the channel, slot or bore 2.2, when no guidewire 1.01 has been inserted. Locking mechanism 2.4 may be spring-biased toward the locked position, for example. Additionally, locking mechanism 2.4 may include a ball and detent arrangement, or other temporary locking means to maintain the mechanism 2.4 in the locked configuration. An additional, similar mechanism may be provided to temporarily fix locking mechanism 2.4 in the unlocked configuration shown in FIG. 22A. Alternative locking mechanisms may be employed, such as a pivoting lock arm, for example, that is manually pivotable between the locked and unlocked orientations, or other mechanism that would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the mechanical arts, such as a collapsible silicone valve that grips the device, for example.

[0355] Light cable 1.032 generally has a much larger inside diameter than the inside diameter or combined inside diameters of the illumination fibers 1.0i. Accordingly, the proximal end portion of connector 2.01 provides a tapering or funnel shaped pathway 2.6 having a proximal inside diameter that is substantially equivalent to the inside diameter of cable 1.032 or greater, and which tapers to a distal inside diameter that is about the same or only slightly greater than the inside diameter or combined inside diameters of the illumination fiber(s), or alternatively, that is about the same or only slightly greater than the outside diameter of the proximal end of device 1.01. The light cable 1.032 generally has a larger diameter bundle of illumination fibers than that contained within the illuminating guidewire 1.01. Accordingly, the tape 2.6 is used to transition between the larger bundle in the light cable 1.032 and the smaller bundle in the guidewire 1.01. With this arrangement, light delivered through light cable 1.032 is concentrated or focused down to a pathway where most of the light can be transmitted through the illumination fibers.

[0356] To insert device 1.01 into connector 2.01, an operator retracts quick connect locking mechanism 2.4 to the open position shown in FIG. 22A. If quick connect mechanism 2.4 is provided with a temporary locking mechanism as referred to above, then quick connect locking mechanism 2.4 can be temporarily fixed in the orientation shown in FIG. 22A, without the operator having to hold it open. Otherwise, the operator will hold connector 2.4 open in the position shown in FIG. 22A. The proximal end of device 1.01 is next inserted into the open channel, slot or bore 2.2 and slid proximally with respect to connector 2.01 until the proximal end of device 1.01 abuts against the proximal end of channel, slot or bore 2.2. Quick release mechanism is next released by the operator (in embodiments when there is no temporary locking mechanism to maintain the quick release in the open configuration) or released from the temporary locked open configuration, so that the locking arm 2.4a is advanced toward the proximal end portion 1.0p of device 1.01, by the biasing of quick connect locking mechanism 2.4 described above. Locking arm 2.4a contacts device 1.01 and holds device 1.01 under compression between locking arm 2.4a and the opposite inner wall of channel, slot or bore 2.2, with sufficient force to prevent device 1.01 from sliding out of connector 2.01 even if the distal tip of device 1.01 is pointed straight down in a vertical direction. Optionally, locking arm 2.4a may be additionally temporarily locked in place by a ball and detent mechanism, or other temporary locking mechanism, as mentioned above. To remove device 1.01 from connector 2.01, quick connect locking mechanism 2.4 is repositioned to the open or unlocked orientation shown in FIG. 22A and the device is slid distally with respect to the connector until it is free from the connector 2.01.

[0357] FIGS. 23A-23B illustrate an alternative connector 2.01 that includes a quick release locking mechanism 2.4. In this example, two or more locking arms 2.4 are provided circumferentially about the distal end of connector 2.01. Arms 2.4 are biased to the closed or locked configuration as shown in FIG. 23A. For example, arms 2.4 may be made from resilient spring steel, nickel-titanium alloy or resilient plastic and formed to assume the configuration shown in 1.4A when mounted to connector 2.01 and when in an unbiased state. Installation of device 1.01 into connector 2.01 is simplified by the automatic grasping and temporary locking functions provided by quick release locking mechanism 2.4. The proximal end of device 1.01 is simply inserted between the two or more arms 2.4. Arms 2.4 included ramped or cammed surfaces 24b that guide the proximal end of device 1.01 into connector 2.01, and, as device 1.01 is pushed against these surfaces 2.4b, arms 2.4 are deflected into the opened, biased configuration shown in FIG. 23B. The biasing/resiliency of arms 2.4 imparts compressive forces to the shaft of device 1.01 via temporary locking surfaces 2.4a, so that device 1.01 is gripped and held in position as shown in FIG. 23B. To remove device 1.01, the operator needed simply pull on device 1.01, while holding connector 2.01 relatively immobile, with a force sufficient to overcome the compressive and frictional forces imparted by surfaces 2.4a. The resilient arms 2.4 then return to the unbiased configuration shown in FIG. 23A. Optionally, surfaces 2.4a may be coated with, or include a friction enhancing surface, such as rubber or other elastomer, and/or be roughened, such as by knurling or other surface roughening technique.

[0358] In the example shown in FIGS. 23A-23B, the light cable 1.032 that is provided has an inside diameter that is about the same as the diameter of the proximal end of device 1.01 and thus, no tapering channel 2.6 is required. However, for arrangements where the light cable 1.032 is much larger, as is usually the case when using a conventional endoscope light source 1.0301, connector 2.01 may be provided with a tapering light channel 2.6 in the same manner as described above with regard to the embodiment of FIGS. 22A-22B.

[0359] FIG. 24 illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of a connector 2.01 that is quickly connectable and releasable from a guidewire device 1.01 and is also connectable to and releasable from standard light source cables that are typically found in operating rooms. Thus, this connector 2.01 functions both as an adapter to connect to a conventional endoscope light source channel or cable, and as a quick release locking connector to connect to and release from a proximal end portion of guidewire 1.0.

[0360] The proximal end of connector 2.01 is provided with a light post 2.8 that is configured to mate with a connector on the distal end of a light cable extending from a conventional endoscope light source. For example, light post 2.8 may be an ACMI light post (ACMI Corporation) or other standard connector typically used to connect endoscopes to operating room light sources. Because the cable extending from an operating room light source generally has a much larger inside diameter than the inside diameter or combined inside diameters of the illumination fibers of device 1.01, and larger than the diameter of the proximal end of guidewire 1.01, the proximal end portion of connector 2.01 includes a light tapering or funnel-shaped pathway 2.6 like that described above with regard to FIG. 22A.

[0361] The quick release locking mechanism 2.4 in this example includes a collet 2.4c that is configured to center the proximal end of device 1.01 with the distal end of tapering pathway 2.6. A threaded cap 2.4d is threaded over mating threads 2.4t on the body of connector 2.01, so that when cap 2.4d is torqued in a direction to advance cap 2.4d proximally with respect to the body of connector 2.01, inner ramped or cammed surfaces 2.4e of cap 2.4d ride over outer ramped or cammed surfaces 2.4f of collet 2.4c, thereby functioning as a pin vise and clamping collet 2.4c against the proximal end portion of device 1.01 to clamp and maintain device 1.01 in its current position relative to connector 2.01. To insert device 1.01, cap 2.4d is rotated in a reverse direction from that described above to open the distal opening of the inner channel 2.4g of collet 2.4c to a dimension larger than the outside diameter of the proximal end of device 1.01, so that device 1.01 can be easily slid through the channel 2.4g until the proximal end of device 1.01 abuts the proximal end portion of collet 2.4c, or approximates the same. The cap 2.4d is then turned with respect to the body of connector 2.01 to clamp device 1.01 into position, as described above. Removal of device 1.01 can be performed by turning cap 2.4d in a reverse direction relative to connector body 2.01, thereby loosening the grip of collet 2.4c on device 1.01, after which device 1.01 can be easily slid out from connection with connector 2.01. Components of connector 2.01 may be made from metal, such as stainless steel or other biocompatible metals, or temperature-resistant thermosetting polymer, for example.

[0362] Light post 2.8 is rotatable with respect to the light cable 1.032 of the light source 1.30 when connector 2.01 is connected to the distal end connector of the light cable 1.032. This allows device 1.01, when connected to connector 2.01 in this arrangement, to be rotated during use without building up significant twisting or rotational counter forces within the light cable 1.032. For example, in the light post 2.8 shown, the female receptacle (not shown) of the light cable 1.032 couples over light post 2.8 and engages in groove 2.8g, about which the female receptacle is then rotatable relative to light post 2.8. FIG. 25 is a longitudinal sectional view of a connector 2.01 that is similar to the connector 2.01 described with regard to FIG. 24 above. One difference in the example of FIG. 25 is that the tapered light guide 2.6 is provided in the light post 2.8, as contrasted with being provided in the proximal end portion of the main body of connector 2.01 in FIG. 24. However, in both cases, the function is the same.

[0363] Turning now to FIGS. 26A-26E, illustrations of partial coronal sectional views through a human head showing various steps of a method for treating an ostium that opens to a frontal sinus are shown. The methods described here, and all other methods disclosed herein may also comprise a step of cleaning or lavaging anatomy within the nose, paranasal sinus, nasopharynx or nearby structures including but not limited to irrigating and suctioning. The step of cleaning the target anatomy can be performed before or after a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure. The methods of the present invention may also include one or more preparatory steps for preparing the nose, paranasal sinus, nasopharynx or nearby structures for the procedure, such as spraying or lavaging with a vasoconstricting agent (e.g., 0.025-0.5% phenylephyrine or Oxymetazoline hydrochloride (Neosynephrine or Afrin) to cause shrinkage of the nasal tissues, an antibacterial agent (e.g., provodine iodine (Betadine), etc. to cleanse the tissues, etc.

[0364] In FIG. 26A, a first introducing device in the form of a sinus guide 1.002 is introduced through a nostril and through a nasal cavity 1.012 to a location close to an ostium 1.034 of a frontal sinus 1.036. Sinus guide 1.002 may be as described previously herein, or as described in the applications incorporated herein by reference. The advancement of sinus guide 1.002 can be visualized with a scope inserted into the nasal cavity 1.012 and advanced as close to the ostium 1.034 as possible without causing significant trauma to the tissues therein.

[0365] Once the surgeon is satisfied that the distal end of the sinus guide 1.002 is positioned close enough to the appropriate ostium 1.034, illuminating guidewire 1.01, connected to a light source as described by any of the techniques mentioned above, is inserted through sinus guide 1.002 and advanced therethrough, see FIG. 26B. There may be some transillumination from the light emitted from the scope which can be used to confirm that the sinus guide 1.002 is positioned in the correct general area, which confirmation can be made even before the distal tip of guidewire 1.01 exits the distal end of sinus guide 1.002. However, much more specific transillumination effects are produced when the tip of guidewire 1.01 exits the distal end of guide 1.002 and especially when the light emitting portion of guidewire 1.01 touches or approximates an intended target surface, such as an inner wall of a sinus, for example. As the guidewire 1.01 is advanced, transillumination on the face of the patient can be observed as a glowing spot that moves as the distal end portion of device 1.01 moves, thereby making it possible to visibly track the location of the light emitting portion of device 1.01 without the need to use radiographic imaging, such as by fluoroscopy, for example.

[0366] While there may be some diffuse transillumination on the forehead of the patient overlying the frontal sinus 1.036 as the light emitting portion of device 1.01 approaches the ostium 1.034, the glow on the forehead becomes brighter and smaller in dimension (more focused) as the light emitting portion passes through the ostium 1.034 and enters the frontal sinus 1.036, FIG. 26C. As device 1.01 is further advanced, the glowing spot becomes most defined and brightest as the light emitting portion approaches and contacts a wall of the frontal sinus 1.036. Further, as noted, the movement of the trans illuminated spot can be visibly followed to confirm that the guidewire 1.01 is indeed moving within the location of the frontal sinus, as can be confirmed by the surgeon's knowledge of the particular anatomy of the patient being treated. In this regard, a CAT scan or other image of the sinus anatomy can be performed prior to this procedure and studied by the surgeon, to apprise the surgeon of any distinctive or unusual patterns in the individual patient's sinus anatomy which might be useful in tracking and confirmation of where the guidewire is located, as indicated by the transillumination.

[0367] Once properly positioned, the proximal end of device 1.01 is disconnected from connector 2.01, while leaving guidewire 1.01 in its current position. A working device 1.006, for example a balloon catheter, is the introduced over guidewire 1.01 and advanced thereover so that the proximal end of device 1.01 extends proximally beyond a proximal end of device 1.006. Device 1.01 is then reconnected to connector 20 so that light is again emitted from the light emission portion of the distal end portion of device 1.01. Thus it can be visually confirmed, without radiography, that the distal end portion of the guidewire 1.01 remains properly in the frontal sinus 1.036 as the working device 1.006 is advanced toward ostium 1.034 and the balloon of working device 1.006 is extended across the ostium 1.034. The proper positioning of the working end (distal end portion) of working device 1.006 can be visualized with the scope and/or fluoroscopy.

[0368] Once proper placement of the working device 1.006 has been confirmed, working device 1.006 is used to perform a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure. In this particular example, the procedure is dilatation of the frontal sinus ostium 1.034 by expansion of the balloon thereagainst, to enlarge the opening of the ostium 1.034. However, it will be appreciated that the present invention may also be used to dilate or modify any sinus ostium or other man-made or naturally occurring anatomical opening or passageway within the nose, paranasal sinuses, nasopharynx or adjacent areas. Further, other working tools may be inserted and used according to these same techniques. After the completion of the procedure, sinus guide 1.002, guidewire 1.01 and working device 1.006 are withdrawn and removed, completing the procedure, see FIG. 26E.

[0369] Illuminating guidewire device 1.01 can also be used to facilitate visualization and placement of the sinus guide 1.002 in the procedure described above with regard to FIGS. 26A-26E, or in another procedure in which a sinus guide, guide catheter or guide tube is placed in the sinus pathways. FIG. 27 illustrates a situation, like that described above with regard to FIG. 12, where scope 1.008 has been inserted as far as possible without causing significant trauma to the patient. The range of visibility in this case does not extend all the way to ostium 1.034, as indicated schematically by the rays 1.009 shown extending distally from scope 1.008. In this case, adequate visualization of sinus guide 1.002 by scope 1.008 is possible only up to the extent of the rays 1.009 shown. Thus, if sinus guide 1.002 is flexible enough to be advanced more closely to ostium 1.034, then adequate visualization of this movement would not be possible via scope 1.008. That is, if sinus guide 1.002 is physically capable of being extended further distally to place the distal end thereof at the approach to ostium 1.034, scope 1.008 would not be capable of adequately visualizing this. However, by inserting illuminating guidewire through sinus guide 1.002 as shown in FIG. 27, additionally illumination can be provided distally of the illuminating range of scope 1.008. This additional illumination can be received by scope 1.008 to enable visualization up to the illumination portion of device 1.01 and potentially even extending to illumination range of device 1.01, as long as there is a straight pathway of the field of view. Thus, advancement of the sinus guide 1.002 can be visualized further distally by the scope 1.008 using this technique, and potentially all the way up to the ostium 1.034.

[0370] Additionally, this technique can be used to visualize placement of the guidewire 1.01 up to and into the desired ostium 1.034. Alternatively, this can be carried out without the sinus guide 1.002, wherein the guidewire 1.01 is inserted and the scope 1.008 can be used to visualize placement of guidewire 1.01 into the target ostium with the assistance of the light emitted by the scope 1.008 in addition to the light emitted by guidewire 1.0.

[0371] In any of these procedures where a scope 1.008 is used for visualization and an illuminating guide wire is inserted, some transillumination of the target sinus may occur from the light emitted by the scope 1.008 alone. However, this transillumination will be diffuse and show a rather dim, large area of transillumination on the patient's skin. When the illumination guidewire is inserted and advanced, as noted earlier, a smaller, brighter transillumination spot will be visible when the illuminating portion of the guidewire has entered the sinus. Additionally, even before entering the sinus, the light emitted from the guidewire will produce a moving transillumination spot at guidewire 1.01 is advance, which also helps distinguish the location of the distal portion of the guidewire, relative to any diffuse transillumination produced by the scope light.

[0372] If the guidewire 1.01 is advanced into an ostium other than the target ostium (e.g., ostium 1.035 shown in FIG. 27), this may be possible to be viewed by scope 1.008, depending upon the line of sight. However, even if it is not, the transillumination resulting from entrance into a different sinus than the target sinus will be evident by the different location on the patient's face. Also, in the example shown, guidewire 1.01 would not be able to be advanced very far through ostium 1.35 before it was diverted and curled by the relatively small sinus space that ostium 1.35 leads into. Thus, by tracking the movement of the illumination spot produced by guidewire 1.01, the surgeon could confirm that guidewire 1.01 was misplaced as the guidewire would be diverted by a much smaller space then that characterized by the target frontal sinus 1.036.

[0373] Thus, by using an illuminating guidewire device 10in the methods as described above, the use of fluoroscopy or other X-ray visualization can be reduced is not required to confirm proper placement of the guidewire in some cases.

[0374] Similar procedures may be carried out in other sinuses. For example, a similar procedure to that described above with regard to FIGS. 26A-26E may be carried out to open or expand an opening of an ostium leading to a maxillary sinus. In this case, when illuminating guidewire device 1.01 passes through the ostium that opens to the target maxillary sinus and enters the maxillary sinus, a relatively bright, relatively small, defined transillumination spot can be observed to move across the cheek region of the patient. As guidewire 1.01 is advance further distally along the maxillary sinus, the maxillary sinus typically tends to track in an inferior direction relative to the skull, and the bottom wall of the maxillary sinus is very close to the palate of the patient. Therefore as the illuminating portion of guidewire approaches and/or touches the bottom wall of the maxillary sinus, a transillumination spot can be observed on the roof of the patient's mouth by looking into the mouth of the patient. At the same time, the transillumination spot on the cheek that was caused by the guidewire will diminish, or not be visible at all at this time. This viewability on the roof of the mouth is further confirmation that the guidewire has entered the maxillary sinus. Movement of the transillumination spot on the roof of the mouth can also be observed as the guide wire 1.01 is advanced and/or retracted.

[0375] It is further noted that some wavelengths of light may be more effective in producing the transillumination effects described herein, for the purpose of locating the position of the guidewire. In this regard, particular wavelengths of visible light can be selected for this purpose. Alternatively, or in addition, infrared wavelengths may be particularly effective. In this regard, guidewires that employ illuminating fibers may be provided with a filter 1.2 to define the color/wavelength of the light emitted by device 1.01. As schematically shown in FIG. 28, filter 1.2 may be provided distally of the illumination fibers, such as at the distal tip of device 1.01, proximally of the illumination fibers, such as at the proximal end of device 1.01, or in the light pathway at a location within connector 2.01, for example. Multiple filters may be placed at one or more of these locations. For devices 1.01 that employ an LED light emitting component, different color LEDs may be employed to emit different wavelengths of light. For devices 1.01 that employ laser fibers, different types of lasers may be used that emit different wavelengths of light.

[0376] Another optional feature that guidewire 1.01 may be provided with is the ability to emit strobed, flashing or flickering light. The transillumination produced by a flashing light can be further distinguished from diffuse transillumination produced by other light sources, such as endoscopes, for example, since the transillumination produced by the guidewire 1.01 in this case will flicker or vary in intensity between bright and dim. To produce this type of light, either a light source having strobing capability could be connected to the device 1.01, or connector 2.01 may be provided with this capability. When using a laser light source or an LED as the light emitter, as described in embodiments above, a blinking or strobing effect can be electronically generated according to techniques known in the electronics and lighting arts. FIG. 29A schematically illustrates a connector 2.01 having a rotating shutter 2.7 rotatably mounted therein so that the vanes 2.7v and gaps 2.7g between the vanes (see plane view in FIG. 29B) become successively aligned with the light pathway through the connector 2.01 to alternate emission and blocking of light transmission out of the connector 2.01 and ultimately through device 1.01 when a device 1.01 is connected thereto. Shutter 2.7 can be powered by a motor 2.9 that is either battery powered or connectable to an operating room power source, and motor can be operated by the user via actuator 3.1, which can be configured to turn the motor on and off, and optionally can be configured to vary the speed of rotation. Alternatively, shutter can be configured so that vanes 2.7v extend through a slot in connector 2.01 whereby a user can manually rotate the shutter to cause the light emitted from device 1.01 to flicker.

[0377] Other instruments that are designed to be inserted into a sinus, or at least to be positioned at the ostium of a sinus can also be provided with illumination capability according to any or all of the features described above with regard to illumination guidewires. FIG. 30 shows a frontal ostium seeker 1.001 instrument that can be used to access a sinus ostium. For example, seeker 1.001 may be provided with a length of about 175 mm to about 250 mm (about 208 mm in the example shown) and a ball tip at one or both ends of the instrument. In FIG. 30, seeker 1.001 is also provided with a light emitter 1.04 at one or both ends of the device 100 that can be used to locate an end of device 1.001 as it is being advanced to seek an ostium, by the transillumination effects as discussed above. Light emitters 1.04 may be provided by LED, light illumination fibers or laser illumination fibers, for example. One or both end portions of the instrument may include a light fiber bundle or electrical wires for connection to a light source or power source in a manner as described above.

[0378] FIG. 31 shows a suction sinus instrument 1.101 that is configured to evacuate blood and/or other fluids from a target surgical site, such as the frontal sinus, sphenoid sinus or other sinus, to improve visibility of a surgical procedure. Instrument 1.101 includes an elongated shaft 1.16 with a distal end that opens to deliver suction via a suction lumen end 112. Additionally, a light emitter 1.14 is provided at the distal end of shaft 1.16, which may be an LED or one or more illumination fibers configured to transmit light in a manner as described above. Shaft 1.16 is configured and dimensioned to be inserted into the sinus passageways and sinuses. The proximal end portion of instrument 1.101 may include a light fiber bundle 1.18 or electrical wires for connection to a light source or power source in a manner as described above.

[0379] FIG. 32 shows an integrated wire dilatation catheter 1.201 that includes an elongate, flexible catheter shaft 1.26 having a balloon 1.28 mounted thereon. A proximal Luer hub 1.22 is attached to the proximal end of the catheter shaft 1.26. An inflation device (not shown) may be attached to the Luer hub 1.22 and used to inflate and deflate the balloon 1.28. A non-removable, integrated guide member 1.24 extends out of and beyond the distal end of the catheter shaft 1.26. Guide member 1.24 can extend through the length of catheter shaft 1.26 and extend proximally thereof as shown in FIG. 32. The proximal end portion may be configured with a polished proximal end containing illumination fibers, as described previously, or may have one or more electrical wires extending proximally thereof for connection with an electrical power source to deliver electrical power to an LED, for example. A light emitter 1.25 may be provided at the distal tip of integrated guide member 1.24, as shown in FIG. 32 and may be one or more LEDs or one or more illumination fibers, according to any of the different embodiments described above. Alternatively, light emitter 1.25 may be provided proximally of the distal tip of guide member 1.24, in a manner like that described with regard to FIG. 19, for example. Further alternatively, guide member may not extend through the entire length of catheter 1.26 or may not extend proximally of balloon member 1.28 at all. In these examples, light emitter may be an LED, wherein wires can be threaded through or alongside of catheter 1.26 and into guide member 1.24 to connect with the LED. Further alternatively, if light emitter 1.25 comprises one or more illumination fibers, the illumination fibers may extend proximally of the proximal end of the guide member 1.24, and proximally through catheter 1.26 where they are not surrounded by an external sheath in a guidewire formation.

[0380] In one preferred embodiment for adult applications, balloon catheter 1.201 has an overall length of approximately 43.5 cm and its shaft 1.26 has an outer diameter of about 0.058 inches. Further details about integrated wire dilatation catheters that may be configured with a light emitter in a manner as described herein can be found in co-pending application Ser. No. 11/438,090 filed May 18, 2006 and titled “Catheters with Non-Removable Guide Members Useable for Treatment of Sinusitis, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,951,225 on Feb. 10, 2015. Application Ser. No. 11/438,090, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,951,225 on Feb. 10, 2015 is hereby incorporated herein, in its entirety, by reference thereto.

[0381] While the present invention has been described with reference to the specific embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process step or steps, to the objective, spirit and scope of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the claims appended hereto. It is to be appreciated that the invention has been described hereabove with reference to certain examples or embodiments of the invention but that various additions, deletions, alterations and modifications may be made to those examples and embodiments without departing from the Intended spirit and scope of the invention. For example, any element or attribute of one embodiment or example may be incorporated into or used with another embodiment or example, unless to do so would render the embodiment or example unsuitable for its intended use. All reasonable additions, deletions, modifications and alterations are to be considered equivalents of the described examples and embodiments and are to be included within the scope of the following claims.