Patent ID: 8702722

Claim:
A system for treating a patient, the patient having a head with a first ear and a second ear, each ear having a tympanic membrane, the system comprising: (a) an input device configured to generate an electrical signal in response to entry of a command; and (b) a tube with a cutting edge and having a receptacle, a proximal end, a distal end, and an axis therebetween, the distal end sharpened for penetration through a tympanic membrane; (c) an actuation mechanism movably supporting the tube and coupled with the input device, the actuation mechanism changing from a ready state to a pierce state in response to the signal so as to cause the tube to penetrate the tympanic membrane when aligned therewith; (d) a tympanostomy tube supported by the actuation mechanism, wherein the tympanostomy tube is radially constrained within the receptacle of the tube, and wherein the tympanostomy tube expands radially when released; (e) a support system configured for maintaining alignment between the actuation mechanism and the head of the patient, wherein the input device is movably coupled to the first device so as to isolate a command movement and inhibit deviation from the alignment; (f) another cutting tool alignable with a tympanic membrane of the second ear; (g) another actuation mechanism supporting the other cutting tool, the other actuation mechanism effecting axial movement of the other cutting tool in response to the signal so as to drive the other cutting tool through the tympanic membrane of the second ear; and (h) circuitry coupling the input device to the actuation mechanisms such that penetration of the tympanic membranes is synchronized.