초록 ▼

An apparatus for delivering fluid materials into and out of the inner ear via the round window membrane. A fluid transfer conduit is provided which includes one or more passageways therethrough which may have a semipermeable membrane associated therewith to control fluid flow. Attached to the condui

An apparatus for delivering fluid materials into and out of the inner ear via the round window membrane. A fluid transfer conduit is provided which includes one or more passageways therethrough which may have a semipermeable membrane associated therewith to control fluid flow. Attached to the conduit is an inflatable bladder sized for insertion within the round window niche. When inflated, the bladder engages the internal side wall of the niche, thereby securing the bladder and part of the conduit within the niche. The conduit can then transfer fluids to and from the niche and the fluid-permeable round window membrane therein. Bladder inflation may be achieved through one of the passageways within the conduit which can deliver an inflation fluid into the bladder. Also, the conduit may include an elongate conductive diagnostic member for transferring electrical potentials to and from the inner ear.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An inner ear fluid transfer and diagnostic catheter for transferring fluid materials into or out of an ear of a living subject comprising:a fluid transfer conduit comprising a first end, a second end, and an internal passageway extending through said fluid transfer conduit from said first end to

1. An inner ear fluid transfer and diagnostic catheter for transferring fluid materials into or out of an ear of a living subject comprising:a fluid transfer conduit comprising a first end, a second end, and an internal passageway extending through said fluid transfer conduit from said first end to said second end, which fluid transfer conduit permits a fluid to be transferred into or out of an ear; and an inflatable bladder member connected to said fluid transfer conduit at a position thereon which does not block fluid flow through said fluid transfer conduit, said bladder member being sized for placement of at least a portion thereof within a round window niche of an ear of a subject, wherein said bladder member, when inflated, engages an internal wall of said round window niche thereby maintaining said bladder member at least partially within said round window niche.