U.S. patent application number 13/180231 was filed with the patent office on 2012-01-19 for methods and materials for oral stenting.
Invention is credited to Robert L. Foote, Broc T. Giffey.
Application Number | 20120012120 13/180231 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45465929 |
Filed Date | 2012-01-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120012120 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Giffey; Broc T. ; et
al. |
January 19, 2012 |
METHODS AND MATERIALS FOR ORAL STENTING
Abstract
This document provides methods and materials related to oral
stenting. For example, oral stenting devices (e.g., adjustable oral
stenting devices) and methods for using oral stenting devices for
radiation therapy are provided.
Inventors: |
Giffey; Broc T.; (Rochester,
MN) ; Foote; Robert L.; (Rochester, MN) |
Family ID: |
45465929 |
Appl. No.: |
13/180231 |
Filed: |
July 11, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61365086 |
Jul 16, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
128/860 ;
128/859; 128/861 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 17/24 20130101;
A61B 13/00 20130101; A61B 90/16 20160201; A61N 5/1001 20130101;
A61C 5/90 20170201; A61B 1/24 20130101; A61N 2005/1094 20130101;
A61B 2017/00955 20130101; A61B 90/14 20160201 |
Class at
Publication: |
128/860 ;
128/859; 128/861 |
International
Class: |
A61C 5/14 20060101
A61C005/14; A61B 13/00 20060101 A61B013/00 |
Claims
1. An oral stenting device comprising an upper tray, a lower tray,
and an actuator, wherein said actuator is operable to change the
angular relationship between said upper tray and said lower
tray.
2. The oral stenting device of claim 1, wherein said actuator
comprises a ratcheting mechanism.
3. The oral stenting device of claim 1, wherein said oral stenting
device further comprises a base member.
4. The oral stenting device of claim 3, wherein said base member
comprises a thermoplastic material.
5. The oral stenting device of claim 1, wherein said oral stenting
device further comprises a tongue depressor.
6. The oral stenting device of claim 1, wherein said oral stenting
device comprises a thermoplastic material.
7. The oral stenting device of claim 1, wherein said oral stenting
device comprises a teeth guard structure that extends upward from
said upper tray along an outside edge of said upper tray.
8. The oral stenting device of claim 1, wherein said oral stenting
device comprises a teeth guard structure that extends downward from
said lower tray along an outside edge of said lower tray.
9. The oral stenting device of claim 1, wherein said oral stenting
device comprises an upper teeth guard structure that extends upward
from said upper tray along an outside edge of said upper tray and a
lower teeth guard structure that extends downward from said lower
tray along an outside edge of said lower tray.
10. An oral stenting device comprising an upper tray, a lower tray,
and a removable wedge structure or removable screw device, wherein
insertion of said removable wedge structure or removable screw
device into said oral stenting device between said upper tray and
said lower tray changes the angular relationship between said upper
tray and said lower tray.
11. The oral stenting device of claim 10, wherein said oral
stenting device comprises said removable wedge structure.
12. The oral stenting device of claim 10, wherein said oral
stenting device comprises said removable screw device.
13. The oral stenting device of claim 10, wherein said oral
stenting device further comprises a base member.
14. The oral stenting device of claim 13, wherein said base member
comprises a thermoplastic material.
15. The oral stenting device of claim 10, wherein said oral
stenting device further comprises a tongue depressor.
16. The oral stenting device of claim 10, wherein said oral
stenting device comprises a thermoplastic material.
17. The oral stenting device of claim 10, wherein said oral
stenting device comprises a teeth guard structure that extends
upward from said upper tray along an outside edge of said upper
tray.
18. The oral stenting device of claim 10, wherein said oral
stenting device comprises a teeth guard structure that extends
downward from said lower tray along an outside edge of said lower
tray.
19. The oral stenting device of claim 10, wherein said oral
stenting device comprises an upper teeth guard structure that
extends upward from said upper tray along an outside edge of said
upper tray and a lower teeth guard structure that extends downward
from said lower tray along an outside edge of said lower tray.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/365,086, filed Jul. 16, 2010. The
disclosure of the prior application is considered part of (and is
incorporated by reference in) the disclosure of this
application.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] This document relates to methods and materials for oral
stenting. For example, this document provides oral stenting devices
and methods for using oral stenting devices for radiation
therapy.
[0004] 2. Background Information
[0005] During radiotherapy of head and neck cancers, healthy
tissues can suffer from radiation damage. In some cases, acute
mucosal reactions may limit the rate of treatment or cause
unplanned interruption, and soft tissue or bone necrosis may limit
the total radiation dose that can be delivered, thereby potentially
compromising treatment efficacy.
SUMMARY
[0006] This document provides methods and materials related to oral
stenting. For example, this document provides oral stenting devices
and methods for using oral stenting devices for radiation therapy.
In some cases, the oral stenting devices provided herein can be
adjustable. Such adjustable oral stenting devices can be used in
radiotherapy of head and neck cancers. As described herein, an
adjustable intraoral stenting device provided herein can be used to
shield healthy tissue and stabilize the mouth and tongue during
head and neck radiotherapy.
[0007] In general, one aspect of this document features an oral
stenting device comprising, or consisting essentially of, an upper
tray, a lower tray, and an actuator, wherein the actuator is
operable to change the angular relationship between the upper tray
and the lower tray. The actuator can comprise a ratcheting
mechanism. The oral stenting device can comprise a base member. The
base member can comprise a thermoplastic material. The oral
stenting device can comprise a tongue depressor. The oral stenting
device can comprise a thermoplastic material.
[0008] In general, one aspect of this application features an oral
stenting device comprising, or consisting essentially of, an upper
tray, a lower tray, and an actuator, wherein the actuator is
operable to change the angular relationship between the upper tray
and the lower tray. The actuator can comprise a ratcheting
mechanism. The oral stenting device can further comprise a base
member. The base member can comprise a thermoplastic material. The
oral stenting device can further comprise a tongue depressor. The
oral stenting device can comprise a thermoplastic material. The
oral stenting device can comprise a teeth guard structure that
extends upward from the upper tray along an outside edge of the
upper tray. The oral stenting device can comprise a teeth guard
structure that extends downward from the lower tray along an
outside edge of the lower tray. The oral stenting device can
comprise an upper teeth guard structure that extends upward from
the upper tray along an outside edge of the upper tray and a lower
teeth guard structure that extends downward from the lower tray
along an outside edge of the lower tray.
[0009] In another aspect, this document features an oral stenting
device comprising, or consisting essentially of, an upper tray, a
lower tray, and a removable wedge structure or removable screw
device, wherein insertion of the removable wedge structure or
removable screw device into the oral stenting device between the
upper tray and the lower tray changes the angular relationship
between the upper tray and the lower tray. The oral stenting device
can comprise the removable wedge structure. The oral stenting
device can comprise the removable screw device. The oral stenting
device can further comprise a base member. The base member can
comprise a thermoplastic material. The oral stenting device can
further comprise a tongue depressor. The oral stenting device can
comprise a thermoplastic material. The oral stenting device can
comprise a teeth guard structure that extends upward from the upper
tray along an outside edge of the upper tray. The oral stenting
device can comprise a teeth guard structure that extends downward
from the lower tray along an outside edge of the lower tray. The
oral stenting device can comprise an upper teeth guard structure
that extends upward from the upper tray along an outside edge of
the upper tray and a lower teeth guard structure that extends
downward from the lower tray along an outside edge of the lower
tray.
[0010] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.
Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those
described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the
present invention, suitable methods and materials are described
below. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other
references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their
entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including
definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and
examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
[0011] Other features and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the following detailed description, and from the
claims.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0012] FIGS. 1A-D are prospective views of an oral stent device in
a closed position (FIGS. 1A and C) and an open position (FIGS. 1B
and D), in accordance with some embodiments.
[0013] FIGS. 2A-B are prospective views of an oral stent device in
a closed position (FIG. 2A) and an open position (FIG. 2B), in
accordance with some embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a prospective view of an oral stent device in an
open position, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a side view of an oral stent device, in accordance
with some embodiments.
[0016] FIGS. 5A-B are prospective views of an oral stent device in
a position with (FIG. 5B) and without (FIG. 5A) an inserted wedge
device, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 5C is a
prospective view of a wedge device, in accordance with some
embodiments.
[0017] FIGS. 6A-B are prospective views of an oral stent device in
a closed position (FIG. 6A) and an open position (FIG. 6B), in
accordance with some embodiments.
[0018] FIGS. 7A-B are prospective views of an oral stent device in
a closed position (FIG. 7A) and an open position (FIG. 7B), in
accordance with some embodiments.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a prospective view of an oral stent device, in
accordance with some embodiments.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a top view of a guide element, in accordance with
some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] This document provides methods and materials related to oral
stenting. For example, this document provides oral stenting devices
and methods for using oral stenting devices for radiation therapy.
An oral stenting device provided herein can be adjustable. Such an
adjustable oral stenting device can be configured to open a
patient's mouth (e.g., a human patient's mouth) gradually and in a
manner that is comfortable for the patient. As described herein,
the oral stenting devices provided herein can be used to shield
healthy tissue and stabilize the mouth and tongue during head and
neck radiotherapy. In some cases, an oral stenting device provided
herein can be configured to depress the tongue out of the radiation
field. For example, an oral stenting device provided herein can
include a tongue depressor.
[0022] The methods and materials provided herein can be used by any
appropriate patient. For example, patients with cancer (e.g.,
primary cancer) of the oral cavity, nasal cavity, oropharynx,
paranasal sinuses, tongue, palate, and salivary glands can use an
oral stenting device provided herein. In some cases, the methods
and materials provided herein can be used during an oral surgery or
during orthodontics or dentistry procedures.
[0023] With reference to FIGS. 1A-B and FIGS. 1C-D, oral stenting
device 10 can be configured to include an upper tray 12 and a lower
tray 14. Oral stenting device 10 can have a generally arcuate shape
conforming to the general shape of a user's jaw to receive
substantially all of the user's upper teeth and lower teeth. In
some cases, an oral stenting device provided herein can have other
shapes and sizes. For example, an oral stenting device, an upper
tray of an oral stenting device, and/or a lower tray of an oral
stenting device can have a shape and size such that they conform
with all or only a portion of the user's teeth (e.g., two, three,
four, five, six, seven, eight, or more of the user's teeth). In
some cases, oral stenting devices provide herein can be configured
such that the lower tray conforms with all the user's lower teeth,
while the upper tray conforms with a portion of the user's upper
teeth (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight of the
user's upper teeth). In some cases, an oral stenting device provide
herein can be configured such that the upper tray conforms with all
the user's upper teeth, while the lower tray conforms with a
portion of the user's lower teeth (e.g., two, three, four, five,
six, seven, or eight of the user's lower teeth).
[0024] With further reference to FIGS. 1A-B, upper tray 12 of oral
stenting device 10 can be configured to include a teeth guard 18
and a base member 11. Teeth guard 18 can be configured to extend
from an outside edge 19 of base member 11 along the front face of a
user's upper teeth when the oral stenting device is positioned
within the user's mouth. In some cases, a teeth guard can be
configured to extend from an inside edge of a base member along the
inside face of a user's upper teeth when the oral stenting device
is positioned within the user's mouth. In some cases, a teeth guard
can be configured to extend from both an outside edge and an inside
edge of a base member along both the front face and inside face of
a user's upper teeth when the oral stenting device is positioned
within the user's mouth.
[0025] In some cases, base member 11 can include a distal end 15
that extends from a top surface of upper tray 12 to a lower surface
of lower tray 14. As shown in FIGS. 1A-B and FIGS. 1C-D, distal end
15 of base member 11 can connect upper tray 12 to lower tray 14. In
some cases, upper tray 12 and lower tray 14 can be attached via a
spring element.
[0026] In some embodiments, upper tray 12 and lower tray 14 of an
oral stenting device can be configured to include a teeth guard 18
and a base member 11 as shown in FIGS. 1C-D. In such cases, base
member 11 of upper tray 12 can be configured to engage the bottom
surface of the user's upper teeth, and base member 11 of lower tray
14 can be configured to engage the top surface of the user's lower
teeth.
[0027] With further reference to FIGS. 1A-B and FIGS. 1C-D, upper
tray 12 and lower tray 14 can be configured to be connected to each
other via, for example, a hinge arrangement 17. Hinge arrangement
17 can be formed by the connection of upper tray 12 to lower tray
14 via distal end 15. As oral stenting device 10 is opened from a
closed position about hinge arrangement 17, distal end 15 can flex
to accommodate the opening motion. For example, base member 11 can
be composed of a flexible material that can allow opening and
closing of oral stenting device 10.
[0028] With further reference to FIGS. 1A-B and FIGS. 1C-D, oral
stenting device 10 can be configured to include an actuator 16.
Actuator 16 can be configured to move upper tray 12 and lower tray
14 apart from one another when actuated. In some cases, actuator 16
can be configured to include a mechanism 24. Mechanism 24 can be a
ratcheting mechanism, a dial mechanism, a screw mechanism, a lever
mechanism, a spring mechanism, a scissor jack mechanism, a
telescoping mechanism, or combination thereof that is designed to
selectively open stenting device 10 or separate upper tray 12 from
lower tray 14.
[0029] As shown in FIGS. 2A-B, in some cases, an oral stenting
device 20 can include an upper tray 12 and a lower tray 14 that can
be manufactured as a single piece of flexible material with a
common wall 26. Common wall 26 can be a common wall that is one,
two, three, five, ten, or more mm in thickness. As oral stenting
device 20 is opened from a closed position about a hinge
arrangement 17, common wall 26 can flex to accommodate the opening
motion. For example, the region of common wall 26 can be composed
of a flexible material that can allow opening and closing of oral
stenting device 20.
[0030] With further reference to FIGS. 2A-B, oral stenting device
20 can include tongue depressor 22. Tongue depressor 22 can be
configured to extend from one side of lower tray 14 to the other
side of lower tray 14. In some cases, tongue depressor 22 can be
configured to depress the user's tongue out of a radiation field.
Tongue depressor 22 can be composed of a semi-rigid or rigid
plastic, resin, polymer, or other material suitable to stabilize a
user's tongue. In some cases, tongue depressor 22 can be part of
lower tray 14 as shown in FIG. 2. In some cases, tongue depressor
22 can be part of upper tray 12 such that a normal upright use of
the oral stenting device positions the tongue depressor away from
the tongue and an inverted use of the oral stenting device
positions the tongue depressor in contact with the tongue. In some
cases, tongue depressor 22 can be used to elevate the user's
tongue. In some cases, upper tray 12 or lower tray 14 can be
configured as a solid semi-ellipse such that the user's tongue can
be depressed without a separate tongue depressor. In some cases,
tongue depressor 22 can be slidably engaged with upper tray 12 or
lower tray 14 to allow customizable placement. In some cases,
tongue depressor 22 can be removable.
[0031] Any appropriate material or combination of materials can be
used to make an oral stenting device provided herein or any
component of an oral stenting device provided herein (e.g., base
member 11). For example, upper tray 12, lower tray 14, actuator 16,
teeth guard 18, and base member 11 can be composed of any
appropriate material or combination of materials such as, for
example, carbon, molded plastics, or polymers. In some cases, an
oral stenting device provided herein or a component of an oral
stenting device provided herein (e.g., base member 11) can be
rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible. In some cases, an oral stenting
device provided herein or a component thereof can be capable of
being custom molded to the configuration of the user's teeth or
mouth. For example, base member 11 (or any component of an oral
stenting device) can be composed of a thermoplastic material such
that base member 11 can be custom molded by increasing the
temperature of the material to a level where the material becomes
pliable. Once the material of the base member is pliable, the oral
stenting device can be inserted into the user's mouth in a pliable
state and allowed to cool, thereby forming a custom configuration
for that user. Examples of appropriate thermoplastic materials
include, without limitation, ethylene vinyl alcohol, ethylene vinyl
acetate, urethane, styrene block copolymer, rubber, polystyrene,
polybutadiene, polyisoprene, polyolefin, organopolysiloxane,
alicyclic saturated hydrocarbon resin, polycaprolactone,
polyethylene, unfilled polycarbonate, ester gum,
polyethylenetetraphthalate, terpolymer, nylon, nylon copolymer,
polyester, copolyester, or any combination thereof. In some cases,
upper tray 12, lower tray 14, and/or teeth guard 18 can be shaped
to prevent thermoplastic material from spreading when the oral
stenting device is being fitted. In some cases, an oral stenting
device provided herein or a component thereof (e.g., a moldable
insert capable of forming a custom oral stenting device provided
herein) can be made of a light-curable polymer, a non-toxic rubber,
plastic, or polymer, or one or more materials described elsewhere
(see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,550,383; 5,190,990; and 5,775,900 and
U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 20090038624; 20090130624;
and 20100108078).
[0032] In some cases, an oral stenting device provided herein or a
component thereof (e.g., upper tray 12, lower tray 14, and teeth
guard 18) can be configured to be thick enough to shield the mouth
and teeth from backscattering of electrons that occurs when dental
materials such as high gold alloy or amalgam are present. For
example, upper tray 12, lower tray 14, and teeth guard 18 can be
about 2 mm or more (e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more mm) in
thickness. In some cases, an oral stenting device provided herein
or a component thereof (e.g., upper tray 12, lower tray 14, and
teeth guard 18) can be substantially radiolucent or can be
substantially radiopaque. In some cases, an oral stenting device
provided herein or a component thereof (e.g., upper tray 12, lower
tray 14, and teeth guard 18) can be configured to include one or
more radiopaque markers or materials to enhance identification on
imaging films to verify proper location. In some cases, an oral
stenting device provided herein can include a portion of teeth
guard 18 or other oral stenting device element that protrudes
outside of the user's mouth to further shield the user's lips.
[0033] With further reference to FIGS. 1A-D and 2A-B, actuator 16
can be configured to change the angular relationship between upper
tray 12 and lower tray 14 upon actuation, thereby allowing the
intraoral stenting device to be positioned in a user's mouth in a
lower profile setting (e.g., a closed position) and subsequently be
adjusted to a treatment setting (e.g., open position). In some
cases, actuator 16 can be configured to include a mechanism 24
(e.g., a ratcheting mechanism, a dial mechanism, a screw mechanism,
a lever mechanism, a spring mechanism, a scissor jack mechanism, a
telescoping mechanism, or combination thereof) to selectively open
an oral stenting device provided herein or to separate upper tray
12 from lower tray 14. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, an oral
stenting device 30 can be opened by turning a dial 32 in, for
example, a clockwise direction to the desired position and closed
by turning dial 32 in, for example, a counterclockwise direction
via a dial mechanism 34. Dial mechanism 34 can include a threaded
rod to control the degree of separation between upper tray 12 and
lower tray 14. In some cases, an oral stenting device provided
herein can include incremental markers or position indicators that
allow repeat treatment sessions to occur with the same angular
relationship between upper tray 12 and lower tray 14.
[0034] An actuator and opening mechanism of an oral stenting device
provided herein can be located in any appropriate position along
the upper tray or lower tray. For example, an actuator and opening
mechanism can be located at the center line of the oral stenting
device (e.g., in alignment with a user's nose). In some cases, an
actuator and opening mechanism can be located to the left or right
of such a center line. For example, an actuator and opening
mechanism can be located one, two, three, or more cm to the left or
right of the center line of an oral stenting device. In some cases,
an actuator and opening mechanism of an oral stenting device
provided herein can be located on a track of the upper tray and
lower tray such that the actuator and opening mechanism can be
moved (e.g., slidably moved) from one position (e.g., the center
line) to another position (e.g., three cm to the right of the
center line). In such cases, the opening mechanism can include a
locking element configured to hold the opening mechanism in a
desired position along the oral stenting device.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, oral stenting device 30 can include a
tongue depressor 36 that can include one or more pores 38 or other
openings. Tongue depressor 36 can include any appropriate number of
pores. For example, tongue depressor 36 can include one, two,
three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, 11, 15, 20, 25, or
more pores. As shown in FIG. 4, an oral stenting device 40 can
include an upper tray 42, a lower tray 44, and a tongue depressor
46. Tongue depressor 46 can be configured to extend at a downward
angle from upper tray 42.
[0036] With reference to FIGS. 5A-B, an oral stenting device 50 can
be configured to receive one or more removable wedges 51. In such
cases, oral stenting device 50 can include an upper tray 52 and a
lower tray 54. Upper tray 52 and lower tray 54 can include grooves
56. Grooves 56 can be configured to releasably and slidably mate
with extension elements 58 of wedge 51. Upon insertion of wedge 51,
upper tray 52 can be separated from lower tray 54. In some cases,
upper tray 52 and lower tray 54 can include extension elements, in
which cases wedge 51 can be configured to include corresponding
grooves. In some cases, a wedge 53 can be used as shown in FIG. 5C.
Wedge 53 can include two extension elements 58 on its top surface
and two extension elements 58 on its bottom surface such that it
can releasably and slidably mate with the grooves of oral stenting
device 50.
[0037] With reference to FIGS. 6A-B, an oral stenting device 60 can
include a lever mechanism 61 (e.g., a type 1 lever mechanism). In
such cases, lever mechanism 61 can include a screw mechanism 66
that can engage a bar 68 at fulcrum point 69. Screw mechanism 66
can include a housing (e.g., a fixed housing) and a screw element.
The housing can be integral to lower tray 14 or a separate
component attached to an upper surface of lower tray 14. Bar 68 can
be attached at attachment point 64. Attachment point 64 can include
a mechanism (e.g., a ball and socket, hinge, etc.) to allow angular
movement of bar 68. Fulcrum point 70 can include a mechanism (e.g.,
ball and socket, hinge, etc.) to allow bar 68 to move along track
62 in a fore-aft motion when actuated by lever mechanism 61.
Rotation of lever mechanism 61 can cause screw mechanism 66 to move
fulcrum point 70 such that the angular relationship of upper tray
12 and lower tray 14 is changed. When oral stenting device 60 is
fully closed (FIG. 6A), bar 68 can be substantially parallel to
upper tray 12 and lower tray 14. As shown in FIG. 6B, bar 68 can be
sufficiently perpendicular to upper tray 12 and lower tray 14 to
position oral stenting device 60 in an open position. In some
cases, the entire lever mechanism could be inverted such that
attachment point 64 can be part of lower tray 14, and track 62,
screw mechanism 66, and fulcrum point 70 can be part of upper tray
12.
[0038] With reference to FIGS. 7A-B, an oral stenting device 70 can
include a spring mechanism 72 (e.g., a coil spring, a compression
spring, a torsion spring, a spring clip, etc.). In such cases,
spring mechanism 72 can be actuated by actuators 74. In some cases,
oral stenting device 70 can include locking elements 76. For
example, oral stenting device 70 can be opened by squeezing
actuators 74 to engage locking elements 76 and fix spring mechanism
72 in a desired position (FIG. 7B). In some cases, locking elements
76 can include incremental markers or position indicators to allow
repeat sessions to occur with the same angular relationship between
upper tray 12 and lower tray 14. In some cases, spring mechanism 72
can be located outside the mouth when oral stenting device 70 is in
use. In some cases, spring mechanism 72 can be located inside the
mouth when oral stenting device 70 is in use, with actuators 74
accessible outside of the mouth. In some cases, spring mechanism 72
can be configured such that locking elements 76 are engaged while
oral stenting device 70 is in a closed position.
[0039] With reference to FIG. 8, an oral stenting device 80 can be
configured to receive a screw device 82. In some cases, screw
device 82 can be tapered or wedge-shaped. For example, insertion of
screw device 82 can cause oral stenting device 80 to be configured
in an open position. In some cases, screw device 82 can engage
guide elements 84. In some cases, guide elements 84 can include a
threaded surface 88 to receive screw device 82. In some cases,
guide elements 84 can include partial (e.g., semi-circular) or full
diameter (e.g., circular, oval, elliptical, etc.) threaded surface
88.
[0040] With further reference to FIG. 8, screw device 82 can
include a gripping region 81 and a threaded region 83. Gripping
region 81 can be configured to allow a physician or other medical
personnel to hold and insert screw device 82 into oral stenting
device 80 via a twisting motion. Threaded region 83 can be
configured to mate with threaded surface 88.
[0041] With reference to FIG. 9, in some cases, guide elements 84
can include an adjustable diameter. In some cases, guide elements
84 can optionally include a flexible joint 92 (e.g., a hinge
mechanism). In some cases, guide elements 84 can be fixedly
attached to any surface of upper tray 12, lower tray 14, or any
other component of oral stenting device 80. In some cases, screw
mechanism 82 can include incremental markers or position indicators
to allow repeat sessions to occur with the same angular
relationship between upper tray 12 and lower tray 14. In some
cases, screw mechanism 82 can optionally include a tether (e.g., a
suture line, string, etc.) attached to oral stenting device 80 so
that screw mechanism 82 remains in close proximity to oral stenting
device 80 between treatment sessions.
[0042] An oral stenting device provided herein can be custom molded
to fit by any standard technique (e.g., boil and bite, etc). For
example, an oral stenting device provided herein can be placed in
heated water until it becomes pliable. The closed stent may then be
placed into a user's mouth, allowing a base member to assume a
custom conformation and allowed to cool until stable.
[0043] During use, an oral stenting device provided herein can be
placed in a user's mouth (e.g., a patient's mouth) in a closed
position. An actuator then can be used to open the oral stenting
device, placing the user's mouth in a position as required for
treatment. Upon completion of a treatment session, an actuator can
be used to close the oral stenting device for easy removal. The
position of the open oral stenting device can be reproduced in
subsequent treatments by use of indictor marks which can be
included as part of an actuator mechanism or the oral stenting
device.
[0044] In some cases, an oral stenting device provided herein can
be configured as a component of a kit. For example, such a kit can
include one or more actuators, one or more upper trays, one or more
lower trays, and one or more base members of the same or different
sizes (e.g., small, medium, large, etc). In some cases, the
actuators can be wedges or screw mechanisms in a plurality of
sizes. In some cases, the one or more actuators, one or more upper
trays, one or more lower trays, and one or more base members can be
packaged together in a sterile condition such as in a sealed
container. In some cases, the kits provided herein can include
instructional materials.
OTHER EMBODIMENTS
[0045] It is to be understood that while the invention has been
described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the
foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the
scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the
appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are
within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *