Surgical device for performing a sphenopalatine ganglion block procedure
Methods and devices quickly and accurately locate the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) while performing a sphenopalatine ganglion block procedure that introduces a medication to the SPG. The methods and devices also prevent the medication applied to the SPG from flowing down a patient's throat during the procedure.
1. A method for delivering a medication to a sphenopalatine ganglion of a patient, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) inserting a device into a portion of a nasal cavity of a patient through a nostril, the device comprising:
a handle comprising a proximal end and a distal end;
an inflation device at least partially and integrally disposed within the handle;
a flexible tubular member extending from the distal end of the handle, the flexible tubular member comprising a proximal end, a distal end, an inflation lumen coupled to the plunger and extending from the proximal end of the flexible tubular member, and a second lumen extending from the proximal end of the flexible tubular member to a port;
an expandable member attached to the flexible tubular member, the expandable member comprising a proximal end and as distal end, wherein the inflation lumen opens into the expandable member, wherein the port is disposed proximally of the proximal end of the expandable member; and
an illumination device disposed adjacent the distal end of the flexible tubular member and distally of the expandable member; and
(b) activating the illumination device;
(c) placing the expandable member adjacent the patient's choana;
(d) expanding the expandable member adjacent the patient's choana;
(e) introducing a medication to sphenopalatine ganglion through the port in the flexible tubular member;
(f) removing at least a portion of the medication through the port in the flexible tubular member;
(g) collapsing the expandable member; and
(h) removing the device from the nasal cavity.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising inserting the device into a second portion of the nasal cavity of the patient through a second nostril and performing steps (a) through (h).
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of allowing the medication to collect above the expandable member.
4. The method of claim 3 further comprising the step of allowing the medication to collect above the expandable member for a period of 5 minutes to 20 minutes.
5. The method of claim 3 further comprising the step of allowing the medication to collect above the expandable member for a period of 5 minutes to 35 minutes.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein the medication collects above the expandable member for a period of 10 minutes to 30 minutes.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein the medication collects above the expandable member for a period of 15 minutes to 25 minutes.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein the medication collects above the expandable member for a period of 20 minutes.
9. The method of claim 3 wherein the volume of introducing through the port in the flexible tubular member is between 2 milliliters and 15 milliliters.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein the volume of introducing through the port in the flexible tubular member is between 5 milliliters and 10 milliliters.
11. The device of claim 1 , wherein the plunger comprises a housing, wherein the housing comprises a distal end and an opening disposed proximally of the housing's distal end.
12. The device of claim 1 , wherein the handle further comprises a switch for activating the illumination device.
13. The device of claim 12 , wherein the handle further comprises a power supply for the illumination device.
14. The device of claim 13 , wherein the flexible tubular member comprises a conductor that couples the power supply to the illumination device.