초록 ▼

The present invention discloses a method of increasing and enhancing mammalian eustachian tube lumen patency and pressure equalization performance by administering an aerosolized mixture of lipid crystals comprised of a mixture of one or more lipids surfactants and one or more spreading agents selec

The present invention discloses a method of increasing and enhancing mammalian eustachian tube lumen patency and pressure equalization performance by administering an aerosolized mixture of lipid crystals comprised of a mixture of one or more lipids surfactants and one or more spreading agents selected from the group consisting of cholesteryl esters, phospholipids, carbohydrates, and proteins, in powder form, and one or more fluorocarbon propellants through a mammalian nasal orifice. Upon administration, the propellant(s) are evaporated from the mixture and the lipid crystals are deposited at a subject mammalian eustachian tube whereupon said lipid crystals come into contact with lumen surfaces of the tube forming an amorphous spread film thereupon substantially decreasing the opening pressure of the lumen. In a second preferred embodiment, a therapeutically active agent effective in the treatment of otitis media is added to the mixture of lipid crystals and upon administration of said aerosol mixture, the amorphous spread film formed thereby carries said therapeutically active agent through the eustachian tube to the tissues of the middle ear.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] A method of increasing and enhancing mammalian eustachian tube lumen patency and pressure equalization performance comprising:preparing a mixture of one or more lipids and one or more spreading agents, said lipids and said spreading agents being selected from the group consisting of

[ I claim:] [1.] A method of increasing and enhancing mammalian eustachian tube lumen patency and pressure equalization performance comprising:preparing a mixture of one or more lipids and one or more spreading agents, said lipids and said spreading agents being selected from the group consisting of cholesteryl esters, phospholipids, carbohydrates, and proteins, all in powder form, and one or more fluorocarbon propellants, said lipids and said spreading agents being insoluble in the propellants, and said lipids being present in an amount of about 80 to 99.5 percent by weight and said spreading agents being present in an amount of about 0.5 to about 20 percent by weight, both based upon the total weight of said mixture wherein a mixture of lipid crystals is formed;administering a dose of said mixture of lipid crystals, as an aerosol, through an external nasal orifice of a mammal;whereupon the propellants are evaporated from said mixture as said lipid crystals come into contact with, and deposit upon eustachian tube lumenal tissue and form an amorphous spread film thereupon so as to effectively reduce the opening pressure of said tube.