Apparatus, system, and method for middle turbinate medializer

Abstract

An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for medializing the middle turbinate following sinus surgery, thus preventing synacheiae, granulation tissue, and other complications of the prior art. The apparatus utilizes a fastening device configured to attach the middle turbinate to the nasal septum, a prong comprising a slender wand portion and a fastening module, and a handle configured to trigger deployment of the fastening means by activating the fastening module. The fastening device may be a staple, rivet, glue, or another similar device.

1 . A medical instrument for use in the nasal cavities, comprising: 
 a handle configured to control the deployment of a fastening means;    a plurality of prongs configured to enter the nasal cavity between the middle turbinate and the outer wall of the nasal cavity the prongs being sufficiently widely spaced to encompass the septum and at least one middle turbinate; and    a fastening module attached to the distal end of the prong and configured to deploy a fastener.    
   
   
       2 . The medical instrument of  claim 1 , wherein the fastener is configured of sufficient length to extend through the septum and at least one middle turbinate.  
   
   
       3 . The medical instrument of  claim 2 , wherein the fastening module comprises a first prong and a second prong, the first prong having a staple holder and the second prong having a staple base.  
   
   
       4 . The medical instrument of  claim 3 , wherein the staple holder and base are configured to deploy bioabsorbable staples.  
   
   
       5 . The medical instrument of  claim 2 , wherein the fastening module of at least one prong comprises a rivet shooter.  
   
   
       6 . The medical instrument of  claim 5 , wherein the fastening module of an opposite prong comprises a rivet receiver.  
   
   
       7 . The medical instrument of  claim 6 , wherein the fastening module of the prong is configured to deploy a bioabsorbable rivet.  
   
   
       8 . The medical instrument of  claim 2 , wherein the fastening module on at least one prong comprises a thread bearing module and the fastening module on an opposite prong comprises a thread engager.  
   
   
       9 . The thread bearing module of  claim 8 , wherein the needle is configured to pierce the turbinate and the nasal septum.  
   
   
       10 . The medical instrument of  claim 1 , wherein the fastening module of at least one prong comprises an adhesive dispenser.  
   
   
       11 . The medical instrument of  claim 10 , wherein the fastening module of at least one prong further comprises a mechanism for compressing the turbinate e against the nasal septum during setting of the adhesive.  
   
   
       12 . The medical instrument of  claim 11 , wherein the handle is configured to control the mechanism for compressing the turbinate against the nasal septum.  
   
   
       13 . The medical instrument of  claim 1 , wherein the fastening module of at least one prong comprises a heatable tip configured to cauterize the septul side of the middle turbinate.  
   
   
       14 . The medical instrument of  claim 12 , wherein the fastening module of the at least one prong further comprises a mechanism for compressing the middle turbinate against the septum.  
   
   
       15 . The medical instrument of  claim 14 , wherein the mechanism for compressing the middle turbinate against the septum further comprises a detachable clamp configured to remain in the nose for sufficient time to allow the cauterized area of the turbinate to adhere to the septum.  
   
   
       16 . The medical instrument of  claim 15 , wherein the handle is configured to control the heating of the fastening end and the mechanism for compressing the middle turbinate against the septum.  
   
   
       17 . A system for medializing the middle turbinate following sinus surgery, the system comprising: 
 a fastener; and    a medical instrument configured to enter the nasal passage between the middle turbinate and the outer wall of the nasal passage, the instrument comprising:    a handle configured to control the deployment of the fastener;    a plurality of prongs sufficiently widely spaced to encompass the septum and at least one middle turbinate, having a wand portion and a fastening module, the fastening module configured to deploy the fastener.    
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the fastener is a staple.  
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the fastener is a rivet.  
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the fastener is a suture.  
   
   
       21 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the fastener is composed of bioabsorbable materal.  
   
   
       22 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the fastener is an adhesive.  
   
   
       23 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the fastener is cauterization.  
   
   
       24 . The system of  claim 17 , further comprising an endoscopic mechanism for viewing the placement of the fastener.  
   
   
       25 . A method for preventing the middle turbinate from obstructing the sinus opening following surgery, the method comprising: 
 providing a medical device having a fastener, a handle configured to control the deployment of the fastener, and a plurality of narrow prongs configured to enter the nasal passage, the plurality of prongs sufficiently widely spaced to encompass the nasal septum and at least one turbinate and having a fastening module configured to attach the middle turbinate to the nasal septum;    inserting the plurality of prongs and the fastening device into the nasal passage;    activating the fastening module to deploy a fastener; and    withdrawing the medical device.    
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 25 , further comprising endoscopically viewing the placement of the fastening means.