Patent ID: 9603745
Date: 2017-03-28
CPC Classifications: A61B,A61F

Claim:
1. An introducer engaged with an otolaryngological device having no cutting edge, a first surface and a second surface that is nonparallel to the first surface, the introducer comprising: a guide having a distal portion and a proximal portion; a stopper positioned closer to the distal portion than the proximal portion of the guide; an engager having a distal terminus frictionally engaged to the first surface of the device in a manner such that frictional forces, unless overcome, renders the device immobile relative to the engager, wherein the engager is slidably coupled to the guide; and a release mechanism positioned closer to the proximal portion of the guide than the stopper, wherein the release mechanism is attached to the engager and constructed to slide the distal terminus of the engager toward the guide while the stopper abuts the second surface of the device, thereby overcoming frictional forces and releasing the device from the engager, and the introducer and otolaryngological device in combination have no cutting edge, wherein the guide has a size and shape effective to introduce the device through a nostril or mouth of a patient to position the device at a desired ear and/or nose location within the patient's head, wherein the device has a means for immobilizing the device at the desired ear and/or nose location once released from the introducer, and wherein the introducer is being used in a substantially trauma-free procedure.