Sinus stent

Abstract

Paranasal sinus apparatus is provided, including a hole-forming member configured to form a hole through a bone wall of a paranasal sinus of a subject. An implant is provided, having a proximal end and a distal end, and which is shaped to define a lumen. The implant is couplable to the hole-forming member, and is securable to the wall and extendable through the hole, such that the proximal end is disposed external to the paranasal sinus and the distal end is disposed within the paranasal sinus. The implant includes a biodegradable material. Other applications are also described.

1 - 105 . (canceled) 
     
     
         106 . The method according to  claim 112 , wherein inserting the medical instrument into the paranasal sinus comprises inserting a stent into the paranasal sinus via the artificial hole in the wall of the sinus, and wherein using the medical instrument to open the natural ostium of the sinus comprises:
 placing the stent in the ostium from inside of the sinus; and   securing the stent in the ostium by expanding the stent.   
     
     
         107 . The method according to  claim 106 , wherein inserting the stent into the paranasal sinus comprises inserting the stent into a maxillary sinus of the subject. 
     
     
         108 . The method according to  claim 106 , wherein inserting the stent into the sinus via the artificial hole comprises inserting the stent into the sinus via a lumen of an implant secured in the hole. 
     
     
         109 - 110 . (canceled) 
     
     
         111 . A method for treating a paranasal sinus of a subject, the method comprising:
 forming an artificial hole in a wall of the paranasal sinus; and   via the artificial hole, opening a natural ostium of the paranasal sinus.   
     
     
         112 . The method according to  claim 111 , wherein opening the natural ostium of the paranasal sinus via the artificial hole comprises:
 inserting a medical instrument into the paranasal sinus, via the artificial hole; and   using the medical instrument to open the natural ostium of the sinus.   
     
     
         113 . The method according to  claim 111 , further comprising cauterizing tissue in an area of the hole. 
     
     
         114 . The method according to  claim 113 , wherein cauterizing the tissue comprises cauterizing the tissue by using a radio frequency electrode to apply energy to the tissue. 
     
     
         115 . The method according to  claim 106 , wherein securing the stent in the ostium by expanding the stent comprises inflating a balloon within a lumen of the stent. 
     
     
         116 . The method according to  claim 108 , further comprising securing the implant in the hole. 
     
     
         117 . The method according to  claim 116 , wherein securing the implant in the hole comprises securing the implant such that a first end of the lumen of the implant is in the paranasal sinus, and a second end of the lumen is out of the sinus.