Transdermal anesthetizing solution and method and apparatus for anesthetizing the ear canal and tympanic membrane

摘要

A topical anesthetic solution includes a tetracaine base dissolved in a solvent, such as isopropyl alcohol. A method for anesthetizing the ear canal and tympanic membrane using the anesthetic solution includes providing a dry, expandable applicator which expands as it absorbs a fluid and inserting the applicator, dry or partially wetted, into the ear canal and advancing the applicator into the ear canal to the vicinity of the tympanic membrane. The applicator is then fully wetted with the anesthetic solution, causing the applicator to fully expand within the ear canal, and is left in the ear canal for a period sufficient to effect anesthesia of the ear canal and tympanic membrane. An apparatus for applying a topical anesthetic to the ear canal and tympanic membrane includes an expandable, absorbent applicator that expands when soaked with a liquid, an applicator withdrawal tether attached to the applicator, and an applicator inserting and soaking device. The inserting and soaking device includes an elongated portion constructed and arranged to insert the applicator, releasably secured to the end thereof, into the ear canal, a fluid conduit defined within the inserting device, a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the conduit, and a fluid forcing mechanism constructed and arranged to force fluid from the fluid reservoir into the conduit to wet the applicator. A kit for anesthetizing the ear canal includes an absorbent, expandable applicator with a withdrawal tether attached thereto, a gripping and inserting device for gripping the applicator and inserting it into the ear canal, and a fluid injecting device for injecting fluid into the ear canal to soak the applicator.