IRELAND – Medtronic has launched the NuVent Eustachian tube dilation balloon for the treatment of chronic, obstructive Eustachian Tube Dysfunction.

The NuVent, which has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has a flexible balloon section that allows for patient-specific placement based on their individual anatomy.

The device enables surgeons to provide treatment in both an outpatient and an office setting.

Medtronic ENT business president Vince Racano said: “As office-based procedures for ENT conditions increase, we look forward to introducing more innovative technologies designed specifically for this setting. The NuVent balloon is another important product within this expanding portfolio.”

Obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction is a condition where Eustachian tubes, which connect the back of the nose to the middle ear, fail to open properly.

The Eustachian tubes’ primary function is to protect the middle ear from pathogens, equalize air pressure on both sides of the eardrum, and aid in the drainage of secretions from the middle ear cleft.

Its dysfunction prevents tubes from performing their primary functions, resulting in fluid buildup in the ears, which causes pain, hearing difficulty, and a feeling of fullness.

According to the company, if not treated, obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction can cause damage to the patients’ middle ear and eardrum.

Ohio Sinus Institute head, rhinologist Boris Karanfilov said: “Patients who suffer from Eustachian Tube Dysfunction often experience pain, pressure, and hearing difficulties, so it’s important to address their illness quickly.

Balloon dilation restores proper Eustachian tube function and reduces these symptoms, plus the ability to perform the procedure in the office makes it both convenient and efficient.”

Medtronic received FDA approval last month for its InterStim X, a new generation of rechargeable device in its InterStim portfolio.

InterStim systems are said to be the most personalized systems for delivering sacral neuromodulation (SNM) therapy and a standard of care in advanced therapy.

According to the company, its SNM system is supported by more than 90 clinical studies, 1,000 clinical articles, and has treated 350,000 patients over a 25-year period.

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