Method of performing a sphenopalatine ganglion block procedure
Methods and devices to 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 portion of a device into 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 inflation device 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 medication port;
an expandable member attached to the flexible tubular member, the expandable member comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the inflation lumen opens, via an inflation port, into the expandable member, wherein the medication port is disposed proximally of the proximal end of the expandable member;
an illumination device disposed distally of the expandable member; and
a non-inflatable stabilizer slidably coupled to the flexible tubular member, wherein the non-inflatable stabilizer is capable of sliding along the flexible tubular member between the handle and the expandable member;
(b) activating the illumination device and viewing light emitted from the illumination device through a portion of the patient's soft palate;
(c) expanding, using the inflation lumen, the expandable member adjacent to the patient's choana;
(d) sliding the non-inflatable stabilizer toward the patient's nose;
(e) introducing an amount of medication into the nasal cavity through the medication port, such that the medication rises to a level and contacts at least a portion of mucosa overlaying a sphenopalatine ganglion of the patient for a period of 5 minutes to 35 minutes;
(f) collapsing the expandable member; and
(g) removing the device from the nasal cavity.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of sliding the non-inflatable stabilizer away from the patient's nose.
3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of removing at least a portion of the medication through the medication port in the flexible tubular member.
4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of inserting the device into a second portion of the nasal cavity of the patient through a second nostril and performing steps (b) through (g).
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the level of medication is maintained for 10 minutes to 30 minutes.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the level of medication is maintained for 15 minutes to 25 minutes.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the level of medication is maintained for at least 20 minutes.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the amount of the medication introduced to the nasal cavity is between 2 milliliters to 15 milliliters.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the amount of the medication introduced to the nasal cavity is between 5 milliliters to 10 milliliters.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of inserting the device into the nasal cavity comprises introducing the device into a channel below an inferior turbinate and above a hard palate.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of expanding the expandable member adjacent to the patient's choana comprises placing the expandable member in the patient's nasopharynx.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of introducing an amount of medication into the nasal cavity comprises actuating an auxiliary syringe coupled to the second lumen.
13. The method of claim 1 , wherein the non-inflatable stabilizer comprises a lumen capable of having a first configuration and a second configuration.
14. The method of claim 1 , wherein the non-inflatable stabilizer is capable of sliding along the flexible tubular member when the lumen has a first configuration and the non-inflatable stabilizer is less capable of sliding along the flexible tubular member when the lumen has a second configuration.
15. The method of claim 1 , wherein the handle further comprises a switch for activating the illumination device.