LAWRENCE J MARENTETTE, MD
Medical Practice in Ann Arbor, MI

2004001, Jan 29, 2004

Mar 13, 2003

10/387624

John Morris - Ann Arbor MI, US
Lawrence Marentette - Ann Arbor MI, US

A61F013/20

604/011000

This invention improves upon existing solutions by providing a nasal airway delivery decongestion apparatus in the form of a paddle-shaped tampon supported on an elongated handle, and a topical steroid disposed on the surface of the tampon, enabling the article to be inserted into the nasal passageway adjacent a local inferior turbinate mucosa for a sufficient period of time to facilitate extended relief. In the preferred embodiment, the tampon is sponge-like, enabling it to be impregnated with a topical steroid and solution, then dried and compressed into the paddle-like shape. Following insertion, the sponge expands, releasing the steroid to the local inferior turbinate mucosa. Although other topical steroids may be used, in the preferred embodiment Nasonex, or its equivalent, is the desired choice. In a further alternative embodiment, two paddle-shape tampons of the type disclosed and described herein are enjoined on a U-shaped handle enabling simultaneous insertion and administration of the topical steroid through both nostrils.