Patent ID: 7522955
Filing Date: 2009-04-21
Classification: A61B,A61L

Abstract:
1. The method of reducing a biofilm formed on the mucosal lining of a sinus cavity within a human head, without harming the underlying sinus tissue, comprising: irrigating the biofilm formed on the mucosal lining of a sinus cavity with a fluid containing a biofilm-reducing agent; suctioning the fluid from the biofilm, so as to maintain a layer of the fluid in contact with the biofilm; and inducing ultrasonic energy into the biofilm, through the fluid layer, while performing the suctioning step at a power level which will not affect the underlying tissue; whereby the biofilm is disrupted by the forces introduced through the irrigation, suction and ultrasonic agitation, and affected by said agent, and portions of the biofilm are removed with the suctioned fluid, without affecting the underlying tissue.