GB2316319A

GB2316319A - Middle ear ventilation tube or grommet

Info

Publication number: GB2316319A
Application number: GB9617841A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Parmod Kishan Jain
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-08-24
Filing date: 1996-08-24
Publication date: 1998-02-25
Also published as: GB9617841D0

Abstract

The tube or grommet comprises a dumb-bell shaped body 5 with a central hole 4 and outer and inner flanges 1,2 and has an angled tab 3 attached to the outer flange. The tab enables the grommet to be grasped with forceps at an angle so as to aid visualisation of the inner flange during insertion and to prevent slipping of the grommet from the forceps. The inner flange may be lengthened (Fig.6) to keep the grommet in situ for a longer period and a wire may be attached to the tab to assist removal.

Description

VENTILATION TUBE (GROMMET) WITH ANGLED TAB This invention relates to a middle ear ventilation tube (grommet) with an angled tab.

Ventilation tubes are used for ventilating the middle ear in patients with fluid behind the ear drum causing deafness. The normal middle ear contains air at atmospheric pressure which is maintained via the Eustachian tube which connects the middle ear cavity with the back of the nose. In patients where this eustachian tube does not function properly. the air from the middle ear gets absorbed resulting in the development of fluid. If untreated, this leads to deafness and further complications. Grommet, when inserted through the ear drum, allows the air to enter the middle ear cavity, thus acting as an alternative route to equalise the air pressure preventing further complications till the time eustachian tube starts functioning normally.

A grommet is described as a tube having an outer flange and an inner flange. When inserted through the tympanic membrane, the outer flange remains outside the ear drum and the inner flange goes in the middle ear. The central hole of the ventilating tube provides the communication between the outside atmospheric air and the middle ear cavity. However, the usual problem encountered during the insertion of the grommet is the inadequate view of its inner flange especially in narrow and tortuous external auditory canals, whereby the grommet in most instances is practically inserted blindly.

Once inserted, the grommet usually expells out by itself in 6-12 months.

According to the present invention, there is provided a ventilation tube (grommet) comprising of a dumble shaped body with an inner flange and an outer flange with an angled tab attached to it so that this grommet can be grasped at an angle with a grasping forceps thereby giving a clear view of the lower end of the grommet to be inserted under direct vision. Secondly, the tab would also prevent slipping of grommet during insertion.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 - shows in perspective, the grommet with an angled tab in a three dimentional view; Figure 2 - shows the lateral view of the grommet and the tab; Figure 3 - shows the view of the outer flange of the grommet from top; Figure 4 - shows the viw of the inner flange of the grommet from below; Figure 5 - shows the grommet with wire attached to the angled tab; Figure 6 - shows the grommet with angled tab and long inner flange in a three dimentional view; Figure 7 - shows the lateral view of the grommet with angled tab and long inner flange; Figure 8 - shows the grommet with wire attached to the angled tab and a long inner flange; Figure 9 - shows the ear drum and a grommet (without a tab) held with a grasping forceps in a three dimentional view; Figure 10 - shows the tympanic membrane and the grommet (without tab) held by a grasping forceps in a cut section; Figure 11 - shows the tympanic membrane and the angled tab of the grommet held with a grasping forceps in a three dimentional view; Figure 12 - shows the tympanic membrane and the angled tab of the grommet held with a grasping forceps in a cut section.

Referring to the drawings, this grommet comprises a dumble shaped body 5, an outer flange 1, an angled tab 3, an inner flange 2 and a central hole 4. The angled tab 3 is attached to the outer flange 1.

In order to visualise the inner flange 2 (lower end) of the grommet during insertion, the angled tab 3 is to be grasped with a grasping forceps 10, as illustrated in figures 11 & 12.

The dumble shaped body of the grommet 5 should allow the expulsion of the grommet without any residual perforation of the tympanic membrane.

Claims

1. A middle ear ventilation tube (grommet) comprising a dumble shaped body with an outer and an inner flange, an angled tab attached to the outer flange and a central hole.

2. A ventilation tube as claimed in Claim 1 with a longer inner flange to keep the grommet in situ for a longer period of time, where needed.

3. A ventilation tube as claimed in Claim 1 & Claim 2 with the angled tab at different angles to suit the external auditory canal during surgery.

4. A ventilation tube as claimed in Claims 1, 2 & 3 with wire attached to the angled tab to catch the grommet for purposes of removal.

5. A ventilation tube as claimed in Claims 1, 2, 3 & 4 in different sizes depending upon the tortuosity and size of the external auditory canal.

6. A ventilation tube in any preceding claim, in different materials to suit the patient's requirements.

7. A ventilation tube substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1-8 and Figures 11 & 12 of the accompanying drawings.