Patent ID: 7178520
Filing Date: 2007-02-20
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
1. A medical procedure utilizing a guidewire in a patient, comprising: positioning a mouthguard in a patient's mouth to provide access into the patient the mouthguard comprising: a tube that is insertable into a patient's mouth and through which a guidewire may be passed; a flange extending outwardly from the tube, the flange having an outer diameter that is larger than the patient's mouth to prevent the mouthguard from being swallowed; and a tab extending from the tube including a locking mechanism for selectively engaging a guidewire passed through the tube; advancing a distal end of the guidewire through the mouthguard to a desired location in the patient; and securing a proximal end of the guidewire to the locking mechanism of the mouthguard.