Apparatus and Method for Treating Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

1 . A method of treating Eustachian tube dysfunction, the method comprising:

providing a tube comprising a first end, a second end, and an aperture extending through the tube;

guiding the tube through a nasopharynx;

inserting at least a portion of the tube into a Eustachian tube; and

retaining at least a portion of the tube within the Eustachian tube.

2 . The method of claim 1 , father comprising:

providing a retention mechanism configured to retain the tube within the Eustachian tube.

3 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the retention mechanism is proximal to the second end of the tube.

4 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the retention mechanism is selected from the group consisting of a rib, a flare, a flange, a wedge, a barb, a collar, a hook, and a protrusion.

5 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the retention mechanism creates a circumferential pressure between the tube and the Eustachian tube during use.

6 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

providing an endoscope; and

using the endoscope to guide the tube through the nasopharynx.

7 . The method of claim 6 , further comprising:

inserting a portion of the endoscope within the aperture, wherein the tube is positioned as a sheath around the endoscope.

8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the tube comprises a bioabsorbable material.

9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the tube comprises a biodegradable material.

10 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the tube comprises a polymer.

11 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the tube is between approximately 5 millimeters and approximately 3 centimeters in length.

12 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the diameter of the aperture is between approximately 1 millimeter and 1 approximately centimeter.

13 . The method of claim 1 , wherein inserting at least a portion of the tube into a Eustachian tube comprises inserting a portion of the tube into a section of the Eustachian tube that is proximal to the nasopharynx.

14 . An apparatus comprising:

a first end;

a second end; and

an aperture extending through the apparatus, wherein:

the apparatus is configured for insertion through a nasopharynx and into a Eustachian tube.

15 . The apparatus of claim 14 , further comprising:

a retention mechanism.

16 . The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the retention mechanism is proximal to the second end.

17 . The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the retention mechanism is selected from the group consisting of a rib, a flare, a flange, a wedge, a barb, a collar, a hook, and a protrusion.

18 . The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the retention mechanism creates a circumferential pressure between the apparatus and the Eustachian tube during use

19 . The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the apparatus comprises a bioabsorbable material.

20 . The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the apparatus comprises a biodegradable material.

21 . The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the apparatus comprises a polymer.

22 . The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein the apparatus is between approximately 5 millimeters and approximately 3 centimeters in length.

23 . The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein the diameter of the aperture is between approximately 1 millimeter and approximately 1 centimeter.

24 . A kit comprising:

a plurality of tubes configured for placement within a Eustachian tube, wherein each of the plurality of tubes comprises:

a first end;

a second end; and

an aperture extending through the tube.

25 . The kit of claim 24 , wherein:

a first tube is a first length and a first diameter;

a second tube is a second length and a second diameter;

and the first length is greater than the first diameter.

26 . The kit of claim 25 wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter.

27 . The kit of claim 26 wherein the first diameter is less than the second diameter.