Patent ID: 8100933
Filing Date: 2012-01-24
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
1. A method of treating a patient's frontal sinus having an obstructed or narrowed naturally occurring nasofrontal duct which does not have scar tissue or granulation tissue, the method comprising: pushing a distal segment of a balloon catheter through the obstructed or narrowed naturally occurring nasofrontal duct which does not have scar tissue or granulation tissue; shifting a proximal segment of the balloon catheter to position the distal segment to enter from the patient's nasal cavity into the obstructed or narrowed naturally occurring nasofrontal duct which does not have scar tissue or granulation tissue; inflating a balloon of the balloon catheter in the obstructed or narrowed naturally occurring nasofrontal duct which does not have scar tissue or granulation tissue, the obstructed or narrowed naturally occurring nasofrontal duct being enlarged when the balloon is inflated; and removing the balloon catheter from the now enlarged naturally occurring nasofrontal duct which remains enlarged for a period of time effective to treat the obstructed or narrowed naturally occurring nasofrontal duct after the balloon catheter is removed without any surgical material remaining within the now enlarged naturally occurring nasofrontal duct.