Acclarent granted key patent covering balloon sinuplasty technologies

Acclarent, Inc. announced today that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office awarded U.S. Patent Number 7,500,971, entitled "Devices, Systems and Methods for Treating Disorders of the Ear, Nose and Throat," to the company.

This patent and Acclarent's earlier 7,462,175 patent are directed to methods for treating a paranasal sinus ostium, such as the maxillary sinus ostium, either through the nostril or other routes. The patented methods include advancing a balloon through a guide and using the balloon to dilate a paranasal sinus ostium. "In addition to securing protection for this early innovation, we believe this key patent underscores Acclarent's strength in intellectual property and deepens the cornerstone of our patent portfolio for Balloon Sinuplasty(TM)," states Acclarent CEO, Bill Facteau.

With this latest patent, Acclarent now owns or has exclusive rights to nine issued U.S. patents and over 120 pending U.S. and foreign patent applications.

"Acclarent's innovative Balloon Sinuplasty(TM) technology has been used by physicians throughout the world to improve the quality of life for thousands of patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis," said Facteau. "Acclarent is committed to continuing its leadership in innovation. This patent protects an important portion of Acclarent's technology assets and further differentiates Acclarent as a leader in the ENT community. The validation by the USPTO of our invention is a significant step in continuing to provide physicians and patients with access to safe and effective minimally invasive technology."