Patent ID: 8951225
Filing Date: 2015-02-10
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
1. A balloon catheter device for dilating an opening of a paranasal sinus in a human or animal subject, said balloon catheter device comprising: a catheter shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; and a non-compliant or semi-compliant balloon mounted on the catheter shaft, said balloon being positionable within the opening of the paranasal sinus while in a non-inflated state and thereafter inflatable to an inflated state such that it will cause dilation of the opening of the paranasal sinus; at least one position indicating element useable to determine when the balloon is positioned within the opening of the paranasal sinus; and non-removable guide member, at least a portion of which extends from the distal end of the catheter shaft, said non-removable guide member having a limited range of axial movement or no movement relative to the catheter shaft, said non-removable guide member being advanceable through the opening of the paranasal sinus ahead of the catheter shaft, at least a distal portion of said non-removable guide member being more flexible in one plane than another; wherein the balloon catheter device has a length less than about 20 cm.