Eustachian tube drug eluting stent

Abstract

An eustachian tube (ET) drug eluting stent includes a plurality of longitudinal spars with spring-like elements between each of the plurality of longitudinal spars, creating smooth arcs between each of the plurality of longitudinal spars while minimizing impediment of mucociliary flow. The combination of the plurality of longitudinal spars with spring-like elements are configured to enter into the ET uncompressed.

1 . An introducer for introducing an eustachian tube (ET) drug eluting stent inside of an ET, the introducer comprising:
 an elongated shaft configured to be inserted inside of the ET drug eluting stent, wherein   the elongated shaft with the ET drug eluting stent placed around the elongated shaft is configured to conform or bend when inserted inside of, and traversing into, an ET.   
     
     
         2 . The introducer of  claim 1 , wherein a portion of the elongated shaft is comprised of an accordion-like spring allowing the elongated shaft to bend when being inserted into the ET. 
     
     
         3 . The introducer of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a plunger configured to pull on a string when pushed, wherein the string is configured to run parallel to the elongated shaft.   
     
     
         4 . The introducer of  claim 3 , wherein the string, when the plunger is pressed, is configured to force the elongated shaft to bend, turning the elongated shaft towards the ET. 
     
     
         5 . The introducer of  claim 4 , wherein the elongated shaft comprises a steering loop extended out from the elongated shaft configured to guide the string along a side of the elongated shaft, enabling a head of the introducer to bend towards the ET. 
     
     
         6 . A balloon for an eustachian tube (ET), comprising:
 a conically shaped balloon following a shape of the ET, the conically shaped balloon providing a uniform dilatation of the ET via uniform pressures of the mucosa.   
     
     
         7 . The balloon of  claim 6 , wherein the balloon being conically shaped exerts uniform pressure on walls of the ET. 
     
     
         8 . The balloon of  claim 6 , wherein the balloon being conically shaped evenly distributes pressure produced inside of the balloon. 
     
     
         9 . The balloon of  claim 6 , further comprising:
 an outer portion having a smaller diameter than an inner portion, wherein   the outer portion is inserted into the ET before the outer portion.   
     
     
         10 . The balloon of  claim 9 , wherein the outer portion is approximately 2 mm in diameter, and the inner portion is 6 to 7 mm in diameter, resulting in the shaped conically balloon.