Patent ID: 9167961
Filing Date: 2015-10-27
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
1. A method for adapting a device that is insertable into the body of a human or animal subject to render that device useable in conjunction with a navigation system such that the navigation system may determine the location of the device within the subject's body, said method comprising the steps of: (a) attaching an adapter to a proximal portion of a working device, wherein the proximal portion of the working device remains outside of the subject's body, wherein the working device has a distal portion that is insertable into the subject's nasal cavity and a reference location on said distal portion, wherein the working device comprises a tubular guide having a malleable or rigid curved distal end, wherein the working device is configured to accommodate a balloon catheter therethrough, wherein the working device is configured such that a balloon of the balloon catheter is extendable beyond the distal portion of the tubular guide, wherein the adapter comprises, or is attachable to, a navigation unit that is useable by a navigation system to determine the position of the reference location within the subject's nasal cavity, wherein the navigation unit comprises one or more navigation elements that are useable by the navigation unit to dynamically determine the position of the reference location relative to the adapter; (b) inserting the distal portion of the working device through a nostril of the subject and into the subject's nasal cavity; (c) using the navigation system in conjunction with the navigation unit to determine the position of the reference location within the subject's nasal cavity and to orient the curved distal end of the working device within the nasal cavity of a patient; (d) inserting a balloon catheter through the tubular guide; (e) advancing the balloon catheter further through the tubular guide to advance an inflatable balloon of the balloon catheter beyond the distal end of the tubular guide; (f) using the navigation system in conjunction with the navigation unit to approximate the location of the balloon of balloon catheter relative to a sinus ostium of the patient; (g) maneuvering the balloon of the balloon catheter into the sinus ostium using the navigation system in conjunction with the navigation unit; and (g) enlarging the sinus ostium with the balloon catheter by expanding the balloon of the balloon catheter.