Apparatus and method for accessing a sinus cavity

Abstract

A system for accessing a sinus cavity of a subject includes an access tool configured to penetrate into the sinus cavity from a location external the subject. The system further includes an access sheath having a distal tubular portion, a lumen extending through the access sheath and the distal tubular portion and dimensioned to receive the access tool, the distal tubular portion comprising one or more cutting surfaces disposed about an external surface thereof. The one or more cutting surfaces may include a plurality of longitudinally oriented grooves for flutes disposed about the periphery of the distal tubular member.

1 - 21 . (canceled) 
     
     
         22 . A system for accessing a sinus cavity of a subject comprising:
 an access tool comprising a shaft coupled to a handle, the shaft having a sharpened distal tip configured to penetrate bone and mucosa into the sinus cavity from a location external the subject, the handle comprising a pin extending from a surface thereof; and   an access sheath having a distal tubular portion and a proximal hub operatively coupled to the distal tubular portion, a lumen extending through the proximal hub and the distal tubular portion and dimensioned to receive the access tool, the distal tubular portion comprising one or more cutting surfaces disposed about an external surface thereof, wherein the one or more cutting surfaces include longitudinally oriented flutes or grooves;   a proximal flange disposed on a proximal end of the proximal hub, the proximal flange comprising an aperture dimensioned to receive the pin and rotationally lock the access tool with respect to the access sheath; and   a distal flange disposed on a distal end of the proximal hub and located proximal with respect to the distal tubular portion, wherein a gap is defined along the proximal hub between the proximal flange and the distal flange.   
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein the proximal hub comprises a shoulder portion located distally with respect to the distal flange and has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the distal tubular portion. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein the distal tubular portion comprises metal or plastic. 
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein the distal tubular portion comprises a canted distal end. 
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 22 , further comprising a working instrument configured for slidable movement within the access sheath. 
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 26 , wherein the working instrument is selected from the group consisting of an endoscope, a cannula, a guide wire, a balloon dilation catheter, an irrigation catheter, an aspiration catheter, and a drug delivery catheter. 
     
     
         28 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein the distal tubular portion comprises an inner bevel and an outer bevel. 
     
     
         29 . The system of  claim 28 , wherein the outer bevel forms an angle of about 30° with respect to a longitudinal axis of the access sheath.