Devices and methods for dilating tissues

Abstract

Described here are devices and methods for dilating tissues. In other variations, the dilatation device comprises a slotted or expandable tube that may expand to dilate tissue. In still other variations, the dilatation device comprises two or more hinged or movable plate members that separate to dilate tissue. In yet other variations, the dilation device may comprise one or more flexible members. One or more portions of the dilatation device may be detachable from the device in the body, and dilatation device may release one or more implants into the body. In some of these variations, the dilatation device may additionally be used to expand one or more implants or other devices within the body. In some variations the dilatation device may release one or more substances that may hold dilated tissue in a dilated configuration.

1 - 13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 : A method for dilating tissue comprising:
 introducing a dilatation device into a nostril of a patient;   advancing the dilatation device to a target tissue site, the dilatation device comprising a handle and a plate assembly attached to the handle, wherein the plate assembly has a low-profile configuration and an expanded configuration, and comprises a first plate member, a second plate member, and an arm connecting the first and second plate members;   separating the first and second plate members to transition the plate assembly from a low-profile configuration to an expanded configuration; and   dilating the target tissue site with the plate assembly in its expanded configuration.   
     
     
         15 : The method of  claim 14 , wherein advancing the dilatation device occurs under direct visualization. 
     
     
         16 : The method of  claim 14 , wherein advancing the dilatation device occurs under indirect visualization. 
     
     
         17 : The method of  claim 14 , wherein the target tissue site comprises a nasal opening, a nasal cavity, a paranasal sinus ostium, a paranasal sinus cavity, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         18 : The method of  claim 14 , wherein the target tissue site comprises a paranasal sinus ostium. 
     
     
         19 : The method of  claim 14 , wherein the target tissue site comprises a naturally occurring anatomical passageway, opening, or cavity. 
     
     
         20 : The method of  claim 14 , wherein the target tissue site comprises an artificially-created passageway, opening, or cavity. 
     
     
         21 : The method of  claim 14 , wherein separating the first and second plate members is accomplished by inflating a balloon therebetween. 
     
     
         22 : The method of  claim 14 , wherein the arm is connected to the first and second plate members by one or more hinges. 
     
     
         23 : The method of  claim 22 , wherein separating the first and second plate members is accomplished by rotating the arm at the one or more hinges. 
     
     
         24 : The method of  claim 14 , wherein the first plate member and the second plate member each comprise an expandable region and a constrained region. 
     
     
         25 : The method of  claim 24 , wherein separation of the first and second plate members occurs at the expandable regions thereof. 
     
     
         26 : The method of  claim 24 , wherein the constrained region comprises at least one constraining rivet configured to secure the first plate member to the second plate member and prevent expansion of the first plate member away from the second plate member. 
     
     
         27 : The method of  claim 24 , wherein the expandable region is disposed at a distal end of the first and second plate members. 
     
     
         28 : The method of  claim 24 , wherein the constrained region is disposed at a distal end of the first and second plate members. 
     
     
         29 : The method of  claim 14 , further comprising rotating the plate assembly with respect to the handle to dilate the target tissue site in a different tissue plane. 
     
     
         30 : The method of  claim 14 , further comprising releasing one or more implants from the dilatation device at the target tissue site. 
     
     
         31 : The method of  claim 30 , wherein the one or more implants delivers a drug to the target tissue site. 
     
     
         32 : The method of  claim 31 , wherein the drug comprises an anti-inflammatory agent, an anti-cholinergic agent, an antihistamine, an anti-infective agent, a decongestant, and combinations and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         33 : The method of  claim 32 , wherein the drug comprises an anti-inflammatory agent. 
     
     
         34 : The method of  claim 33 , wherein the anti-inflammatory agent comprises mometasone furoate. 
     
     
         35 : The method of  claim 14 , further comprising collapsing the plate assembly to its low profile configuration to reposition the dilatation device or to remove the dilatation device from the patient.