Patent attributes
A stent specifically designed for use in treating chronic sphenoid sinusitis comprises a soft compressible plastic tube of a predetermined diameter having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending therebetween. The stent has a generally hemispherical hollow dome integrally molded to its distal end. The diameter of the dome is greater than the predetermined diameter of the plastic tube. The stent further includes an integrally molded annular flange located a short predetermined distance proximal to the hemispherical dome. The device is designed to be fitted through a surgically enlarged ostium of the sphenoid sinus such that the dome resides within the sinus cavity and the flange abuts the bony wall surrounding the ostium. The stent maintains the ostium patent and permits irrigation/suctioning via the stent's lumen.
