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WO2001019244A1 - Dispositif et methode d'egalisation de la pression dans l'oreille moyenne - Google Patents

Dispositif et methode d'egalisation de la pression dans l'oreille moyenne Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001019244A1
WO2001019244A1 PCT/US1999/020569 US9920569W WO0119244A1 WO 2001019244 A1 WO2001019244 A1 WO 2001019244A1 US 9920569 W US9920569 W US 9920569W WO 0119244 A1 WO0119244 A1 WO 0119244A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
air
user
compartment
valve
passageway
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US1999/020569
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English (en)
Inventor
John D. Donaldson
Krista M. Donaldson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to PCT/US1999/020569 priority Critical patent/WO2001019244A1/fr
Publication of WO2001019244A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001019244A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M13/00—Insufflators for therapeutic or disinfectant purposes, i.e. devices for blowing a gas, powder or vapour into the body
    • A61M13/003—Blowing gases other than for carrying powders, e.g. for inflating, dilating or rinsing
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2210/00—Anatomical parts of the body
    • A61M2210/06—Head
    • A61M2210/0625—Mouth
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2210/00—Anatomical parts of the body
    • A61M2210/06—Head
    • A61M2210/0662—Ears
    • A61M2210/0675—Eustachian tube

Definitions

  • Aeration of the middle ear cleft is necessary to optimize hearing, to maintain tissue health and function, to prevent middle ear infection or fluid accumulation (OME), and to avoid pain when changing ambient external pressure
  • OME middle ear infection or fluid accumulation
  • the ear is divided into three anatomic and physiologic segments
  • the most lateral segment is the external ear, a skin lined passage extending from the exterior into the temporal bone of the skull, and terminating at the tympanic membrane
  • the middle ear cleft is formed embryologically as an outpouching of the upper respiratory tract or nasopharynx within the temporal bone and communicates with the nasopharynx via the Eustachian tube It consists of an air-filled cavity bounded laterally by the tympanic membrane and posteriorly by the mastoid cavity, an air reservoir with which it communicates through the antrum
  • the middle ear, or mesotympanum contains three bones or ossicles connected in a chain between the tympanic membrane and the oval window, the lateral aspect of the cochlea or inner ear
  • the Eustachian tube is closed or collapsed in its resting state Hearing is optimal when the middle ear is air-filled at ambient pressure
  • the inner ear consists of the cochlea and the vestibular apparatus which are responsible for hearing and balance, respectively These organs are connected directly to the central nervous system
  • Otitis Media with Effusion This is the most common pathological condition in children under two years of age
  • an upper respiratory infection in the nasopharynx hinders normal Eustachian tube function
  • Bacteria from this region migrate to the middle ear where fluid has been secreted in response to the negative pressure and an acute process is established resulting in the classic earache with fever and hearing loss
  • many complications can occur, including stretching of the eardrum, formation of pockets, cholesteatoma formation, hearing loss, and destruction of the ossicles or perforation of the tympanic membrane
  • the Eustachian tube can be opened voluntarily and the middle ear ventilated in most conditions by forcing air through it This act requires a patent Eustachian tube and an intact neurologic system Aeration of the middle ear may be accomplished with a relatively passive maneuver as simple as a yawn, but more force is generated by actively pushing air up the Eustachian tube by occluding the nose and mouth, followed by swallowing Compression of the air in the pharynx by the squeeze of swallowing pushes air into the tube Likewise, forcefully exhaling or blowing against a closed nose and mouth will achieve the same result It is this concept that is assisted by the present invention without the use of an outside energy source, as discussed later in greater detail
  • the present invention is directed to a device and method for assisting in the inflation of a person's middle ear through the Eustachian tube, thereby resulting in pressure equalization in the middle ear.
  • the simple and economical design and operation of the present invention is particularly useful during air travel, when frequent pressure equalization within the middle ear is necessary to prevent severe pain and possible rupture of the tympanic membrane.
  • the device comprises a body having a mouth portion and outer and inner surfaces, wherein the inner surface defines a passageway communicating with an air intake orifice provided within the mouth portion, the mouth portion being suitable for insertion into a user's mouth for blowing air through the passageway.
  • the device further includes a valve that is movably disposed within the passageway of the body to divide the passageway into two compartments, with the first compartment including the air intake orifice.
  • the valve is further adapted to form a seal between the compartments at a resting state to prevent air from moving in retrograde direction between the compartments; however, when air is blown by the user into the body through the air intake orifice, the inflation valve is moved to an open position to allow passage of the air into the second compartment.
  • the device also includes a resistance port that is in communication with the second compartment and a receptacle, most preferably a balloon or other resistance device, that is attached to the resistance port.
  • a resistance port that is in communication with the second compartment and a receptacle, most preferably a balloon or other resistance device, that is attached to the resistance port.
  • the combination valve and receptacle function to allow for the progressive increase in pressure required to open the valve by adding the continuous back pressure against the user. This has the effect of sustaining pressure within the nasopharynx to open the Eustachian tube, thereby equalizing the pressure within the middle ear.
  • Provision of the balloon receptacle is preferred as an incentive device for children who would not otherwise use the device voluntarily
  • Other aspects of the invention include a second "deflation" valve housed within the second compartment and movably secured within the passageway to occlude an air outflow port communicating through the outer and inner surfaces of the body and into the second compartment Actuation of the deflation valve allows for the removal of air from the body as well as any attached receptacle, thereby "deflating" the device
  • the device may also include a nose clip, preferably secured to the outer surface of the body, to occlude the nostrils anteriorly during use
  • Fig 1 is an elevated perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention comprising all preferred attachments
  • Figs 2 and 6 are elevated perspective views of the embodiment illustrated in Fig 1, but without the receptacle and nose clip attachments
  • Fig 3 is a longitudinal section taken along lines 3-3 of Fig 2 and illustrating both valves in a closed state
  • Fig 4 is a longitudinal section similar to Fig 3, but illustrating the inflation valve in an opened state
  • Fig 5 is a longitudinal section similar to Figs 3 and 4, but illustrating the deflation valve in an opened state
  • Fig 7 is a longitudinal cross-section taken along lines 7-7 of Fig 6 illustrating both valves in an opened state
  • Fig 7a is a transverse section taken along lines 7a-7a of Fig 6 illustrating the inflation valve in an opened state
  • Fig 7b is a transverse section taken along lines 7b-7b of Fig 6 illustrating the deflation valve in an opened state
  • Fig 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • the present invention is directed to a device and method for assisting in the inflation of the middle ear to equalize the pressure therein
  • a device generally indicated at (10) comprising a body (11) having an outer surface (12) and an inner surface (13), wherein the inner surface defines a passageway (14) (see Figs 3-5, for example)
  • the body also has a mouth portion (30) which is further provided with an air intake orifice (31 ) through which the user blows air into the passageway (14) of the body (11) upon insertion of the mouth portion (30) into the user's mouth (not shown)
  • valve (40) movably disposed therein and an inner collar (43) disposed within the inner surface (13) of the body to divide the passageway (14) into two separate compartments (15, 16), as illustrated in Figs 3-5 and 7
  • the valve (40) is referred herein as the "inflation” valve, for when air is blown into the body through the air intake orifice (31) and into the first compartment (15), the "inflation” valve (40) is moved in the direction of arrow F, thereby opening the valve to allow the air to pass through and into the second compartment (16) to fill the second compartment and “inflate” the body and any receptacles attached thereto (as discussed further below)
  • the figures illustrate a preferred inflation valve assembly, discussed below in greater detail, it is contemplated that other suitable valve assemblies may be employed to provide the same function, namely to divide the inner passageway into separate compartments at a resting state, and to open and allow air to move from one compartment to the other as air is
  • a preferred inflation valve (40) has a head portion (41) and a shaft (42) integral with the head portion Preferably, an inner collar
  • (43) is secured to the inner surface of the body and includes a centrally positioned orifice
  • valve shaft (41) is preferably spring-biased to provide for the one-way operation of the valve as discussed above, having secured to the base of the head portion (41) a helical spring (60). While the valve shaft (42) and spring (60) may be positioned as shown in the figures, namely in combination with a second valve (i.e.
  • the opposite end of the spring not attached to the valve head portion (41) may be directly secured to the back end (20) of the body directly opposite the mouth portion (not shown).
  • the inflation valve (40) moves away from the collar (43) in the same direction by compressing the spring (60) against the second valve (or back (20) end of the body) to allow the air to enter the second compartment (16), as illustrated in Fig. 4, for example.
  • the inflation valve (40) returns to a closed or resting state to occlude the collar orifice (44) (Figs. 7-7a), thereby preventing the movement of the air back into the first compartment.
  • the inventive device includes a second valve (50) as shown in the figures positioned within the second compartment (16) of the body.
  • the second valve is referred herein as the "deflation” valve since it functions to release air from the second compartment, thereby “deflating” the compartment as well as any receptacles attached thereto (as discussed in further detail below).
  • the inflation valve discussed above, various types of valve assemblies may be employed that are commonly known by those of ordinary skill in the art.
  • a preferred deflation valve (50) comprises a head portion (51) secured to a shaft (52).
  • the deflation valve head portion (51) is configured to occlude an air outflow port (54) communicating between the inner and outer surfaces (12, 13) of the body and with the second compartment (16) (Fig. 7b).
  • the shaft (52) of the deflation valve contains an inner chamber of sufficient diameter to receive the shaft (42) of the inflation valve.
  • the deflation valve is also spring loaded via attachment to the helical spring (60).
  • the combination of shafts (42, 52) is housed within the helical spring (60), with one end of the spring being secured to the inflation valve head portion (41) and the opposite end of the spring being secured to the deflation valve head portion (51)
  • the inflation valve head portion (41) When the device is in a resting state, as shown in Fig 3, for example, the inflation valve head portion (41) is seated within the inner collar (43), and the deflation valve head portion (51) is seated within the air outflow port (54)
  • the inflation valve When air is blown into the passageway in the direction of arrow F, the inflation valve is moved away from the inner collar (43) by compressing the spring (60) against the deflation valve head portion (51)
  • the inflation valve head portion (41) In between breaths, the inflation valve head portion (41) returns to the inner collar (43) in the direction of arrow R to occlude the orifice (44) and prevent the re-entry of the inflating air back into the first compartment (15)
  • the shaft (52) of the deflation valve extends through the valve portion (51) and air outflow port (54) to operate as a lever (61) which is used to actuate or open the deflation valve
  • the deflation valve head portion (51) is simultaneously pushed away from the air outflow port (54) in the same direction by compressing the coil (60), thereby allowing the air to exit the device through the port (54)
  • the deflation valve can also be opened to allow the air to be expelled completely through the body to facilitate cleaning
  • the back end (20) of the body may be provided with vents (55), as shown in the figures, to allow for a faster deflation of air from the device
  • the actuation of the deflation valve also allows for the
  • both valve assemblies be designed such that an airtight seal is formed when the valve is in a closed or resting state within the inner collar and air outflow port
  • this is achieved by sizing the valve head portion (e g 41, 51) to fit snugly within the inner collar or port (e g 43, 54) as well as by providing an outer sealant coating to the valve head portion and/or collar
  • the inventive device (10) may further include an outer resistance port (17) having an outer annular rim (17a) to which a receptacle (18), preferably formed of an elastomeric material such as rubber or latex, for example, is attached (see Figs 1-3, for e g )
  • a receptacle (18) preferably formed of an elastomeric material such as rubber or latex, for example
  • the rim (17a) allows for the permanent attachment of the receptacle (18) to the body and is particularly desirable for use in children where latex balloons may be employed, but if detached from the body, could result in a safety hazard to the child if ingested or inhaled
  • the deflation valve may be actuated, as discussed above
  • One purpose of the receptacle (18) is to serve as an incentive for children to blow into the device
  • a balloon as illustrated in the figures, for example is desirable, although the receptacle
  • a receptacle formed of an elastomeric material, such as a balloon which is capable of expanding beyond its original volume is most preferred since the combination balloon and inflation valve provide a simple means of progressively increasing the pressure required to move and open the valve (40) by adding continuous back pressure against the user as the user blows air into the body This has the effect of more effectively sustaining pressure within the nasopharynx and is particularly advantageous in children
  • the first portion of the tidal volume (TV) blown out against the receptacle is utilized to inflate the receptacle, which for children is typically a significant percentage of their total TV If a child needs, for example, 40 to 60 ml of air to inflate the balloon before a back pressure is exerted, this volume may represent 30-40% of a 15-kg child's TV
  • a valve assembly such as the inflation valve described above
  • the nose clip is particularly desirable for children who may have difficulty closing their nostrils with their fingers while simultaneously blowing air into the body of the device
  • it may be secured to the body by means of a tether (72) tied to a ring (71), for example, as shown in Fig 1
  • the nose clip (70) is attached to the user's nose, the user places the mouth portion (30) of the body in his/her mouth and blows air into the body As the air moves through the inflation valve to inflate the receptacle as described above, an increasing and continuous back pressure is created against the user to sustain pressure within the nasopharynx to push air back up though the Eustachian tube to inflate the
  • Fig 1 illustrates the most preferred embodiment (10), which includes the additional features of the separate receptacle (18) and nose clip (70), as described in detail herein
  • a second embodiment of the device (100) as illustrated in Fig 8 may be fabricated without these latter attachments, if desired
  • the body of the inventive device may be manufactured of any suitable material, but most preferably a light weight, inexpensive plastic
  • the valve assemblies may be formed of any suitable material commonly used in valve manufacture

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Anesthesiology (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Hematology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Respiratory Apparatuses And Protective Means (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention se rapporte à un procédé et à un dispositif permettant à un utilisateur de faire parvenir volontairement de l'air dans son oreille interne. Ledit dispositif comprend un corps (11) présentant une partie bouche (30), des surfaces interne et externe définissant un passage communiquant avec un orifice pour l'air situé au niveau de la partie bouche, une valve mobile (61) positionnée à l'intérieur du passage qui divise le corps (11) en deux compartiments internes; et un récipient, tel qu'un ballon (18), relié à un orifice à résistance en communication avec ledit corps. Lorsque l'utilisateur souffle dans le corps par l'intermédiaire de la partie bouche, la valve s'ouvre pour laisser l'air pénétrer dans l'un des compartiments et remplir ou gonfler le récipient, ce qui se traduit par l'application d'une pression soutenue à l'intérieur du nasopharynx de l'utilisateur, et un équilibre sensible de l'oreille moyenne à pression ambiante.
PCT/US1999/020569 1999-09-13 1999-09-13 Dispositif et methode d'egalisation de la pression dans l'oreille moyenne Ceased WO2001019244A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US1999/020569 WO2001019244A1 (fr) 1999-09-13 1999-09-13 Dispositif et methode d'egalisation de la pression dans l'oreille moyenne

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US1999/020569 WO2001019244A1 (fr) 1999-09-13 1999-09-13 Dispositif et methode d'egalisation de la pression dans l'oreille moyenne

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WO2001019244A1 true WO2001019244A1 (fr) 2001-03-22

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Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7766858B2 (en) 2003-05-19 2010-08-03 Burkhard Franz Pty. Ltd. Portable hand-operable device for applying pneumatic pressure pulses to an ear canal
CN112451211A (zh) * 2020-11-26 2021-03-09 中山大学孙逸仙纪念医院 一种咽鼓管检查治疗装置
WO2023108191A1 (fr) * 2021-12-17 2023-06-22 Earbuddy Pty Ltd Dispositif servant à ouvrir une trompe d'eustache de patient
EP4424293A3 (fr) * 2017-02-27 2024-11-27 Nocira, LLC Pompes à oreille
US12396892B2 (en) 2013-06-28 2025-08-26 Nocira, Llc External ear canal pressure regulation device
US12419786B2 (en) 2013-06-28 2025-09-23 Nocira, Llc External ear canal pressure regulation system

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5431636A (en) * 1991-03-15 1995-07-11 Abigo Medical Ab Device for equalizing pressure in the middle ear

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5431636A (en) * 1991-03-15 1995-07-11 Abigo Medical Ab Device for equalizing pressure in the middle ear

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7766858B2 (en) 2003-05-19 2010-08-03 Burkhard Franz Pty. Ltd. Portable hand-operable device for applying pneumatic pressure pulses to an ear canal
US12396892B2 (en) 2013-06-28 2025-08-26 Nocira, Llc External ear canal pressure regulation device
US12419786B2 (en) 2013-06-28 2025-09-23 Nocira, Llc External ear canal pressure regulation system
EP4424293A3 (fr) * 2017-02-27 2024-11-27 Nocira, LLC Pompes à oreille
CN112451211A (zh) * 2020-11-26 2021-03-09 中山大学孙逸仙纪念医院 一种咽鼓管检查治疗装置
WO2023108191A1 (fr) * 2021-12-17 2023-06-22 Earbuddy Pty Ltd Dispositif servant à ouvrir une trompe d'eustache de patient

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