MENLO PARK, Calif., May 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Acclarent, Inc., the pioneer of Balloon Sinuplasty(TM) technologies for use in the treatment of chronic sinusitis, 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."

ABOUT ACCLARENT, INC.

Acclarent is a medical technology company dedicated to the development of innovative products providing new technologies to further meet the needs of ENT patients.

Acclarent's initial focus is on achieving the goals of sinus surgery with novel, endoscopic, catheter-based tools - Balloon Sinuplasty(TM) devices. Through the Balloon Sinuplasty(TM) technology and our Relieva(R) product portfolio we offer ENT patients alternatives to conventional endoscopic surgical approaches. Through our core technologies and commitment to innovation, Acclarent will continue to advance novel devices in all areas of ENT. Acclarent markets and sells its products worldwide and has been used by thousands of physicians globally.

SOURCE Acclarent, Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.acclarent.com