Patent ID: 7195646
Filing Date: 2007-03-27
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for implanting a stent into the lumen of a salivary gland duct of an oral cavity, said method comprising: (a) providing a suitable stent, said stent being an elongate member and comprising an enlarged proximal portion at a proximal end of the stent, and a bore extending through said stent from said proximal end to a distal end of the stent, said enlarged proximal portion comprising a proximal rim adapted for being located adjacent said oral cavity and at least one aperture other than said bore, radially inwardly spaced from said rim, and adapted for suturing said stent to said oral cavity, (b) inserting said stent into said salivary gland duct, such that said elongate member is accommodated in said duct and such that said enlarged proximal portion is located inside the oral cavity; (c) suturing said stent to at least one of a mucosa and a periosteum near a lingual side of anterior teeth of said oral cavity by means of sutures, wherein said sutures are sutured to at least one said aperture.