Devices and methods for treating ear, nose and throat afflictions

Abstract

To provide a device 100 and method for treating conditions such as rhinitis, where a distal end 104 of a probe shaft 102 is introduced through a nasal cavity, the distal end including an end effector 122 with a first configuration having a low-profile which is shaped to manipulate tissue within the nasal cavity.SOLUTION: A distal end may be positioned into proximity of a nasal tissue region having at least one nasal nerve. Once suitably positioned, the distal end may be reconfigured from a first configuration to a second configuration which is shaped to contact and follow the nasal tissue region and the at least one nasal nerve may then be ablated via the distal end. Ablation may be performed using various mechanisms, such as cryotherapy, and optionally under direct visualization.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 872,195, filed July 9, 2019. No. 6,393,633 filed on Dec. 23, 2003, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for treating regions of tissue. More particularly, the present disclosure is a specialist in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) diseases such as rhinitis. Cryotherapy, including cryocooling and cryoablation, for the treatment of disorders of the brain, including at The present invention relates to devices and methods for treating regions of tissue, such as by therapy. [Background technology]

[0003] Unless otherwise indicated herein, the subject matter described in this section is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The present application is not prior art to the present application and is not admitted to be prior art by its inclusion in this section. stomach.

[0004] The human nose is responsible for warming, humidifying, and filtering the air we inhale. It is made up of cartilage, bone, mucous membranes, and The left and right nasal cavities extend backwards to the soft palate, where they are joined together. The nasal cavity forms the posterior nares, which open into the nasopharynx. The upper surface of the nose is bounded by a bone known as the cribriform plate. The cribriform plate contains many tiny holes through which sensory nerves pass. Fibers extend to the olfactory bulb. When inhaled odors come into contact with a small area of ​​mucous membrane in the upper region of the nose, The sense of smell is initiated and nerve fibers leading to the olfactory bulb are stimulated.

[0005] The nasal turbinates are three bony processes that extend medially from the lateral walls of the nose and are bounded by mucosal tissue. are covered. These turbinates increase the internal surface area of the nose and act to give warmth and moisture to the air inhaled through the nose. The mucosal tissue covering the turbinates can become congested and swollen or substantially bloodless and contract in response to changes in physiological or environmental conditions. The curved edges of each turbinate form passages known as nasal meatuses. For example, the inferior meatus is the passageway that runs beneath the inferior turbinate. A duct known as the nasolacrimal duct drains tears from the eye into the nose through an opening located within the inferior meatus. The middle meatus is the passageway lateral to the middle turbinate and is located beneath the point where the middle turbinate attaches to the sidewall. The middle meatus contains the hiatus semilunaris, an opening or aperture that leads to the maxillary sinus, frontal sinus, and anterior ethmoid sinuses. The superior meatus is located between the superior and middle turbinates.

[0006] The turbinates are innervated by nerves that emerge from the vidian nerve. The vidian nerve contains afferent sympathetic and afferent parasympathetic nerves that can modulate the function of the soft tissue covering the turbinates to increase (parasympathetic) or decrease (sympathetic) submucosal activity. The vidian nerve extends through the pterygoid canal to the sphenopalatine ganglion. A portion of the fibers from the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) enter the nasal cavity through the sphenopalatine foramen (SPF). In addition to the SPF, further posterolateral neurovascular branches project from the SPG and distribute to the nasal mucosa. The most common locations of these neurovascular branches are within 1 cm posterior-superior to the horizontal attachment of the inferior turbinate, within 5 mm anterior-inferior to its attachment, and in the immediate vicinity of the palatine bone through a foramen separate from the SPF. In some cases, anastomotic rings between fiber bundles are associated with at least three accessory nerves. The accessory nervesIt may be directly traced to the SPG or the greater palatine nerve, respectively.

[0007] Rhinitis is defined as an inflammation of the nasal mucosa, characterized by nasal symptoms including itching, rhinorrhea, and / or nasal congestion. Chronic rhinitis affects a very large number of people and is a major cause for patients to seek medical treatment. Medical treatment has been shown to be limited in efficacy for chronic rhinitis patients, requiring daily drug treatment or allergy treatment that is burdensome, and up to 20% of patients may be refractory.

[0008] In addition to existing drug treatments, turbinectomy (e.g., surgery by high frequency and surgery by microdebrider man) has been shown to be temporary with a duration of effect of 1 to 2 years, and may cause complications including mucosal shedding, acute pain and swelling, over-treatment, and bone damage. Furthermore, turbinectomy does not treat the symptom of rhinorrhea.

[0009] The parasympathetic action of the vidian nerve mainly controls the balance of the autonomic nerves, and as a result, it is considered that resection thereof may suppress rhinitis and nasal congestion. In such a pathophysiology, it has been confirmed that surgical treatment of the vidian nerve actually showed alleviation of some rhinitis symptoms. However, the technique is invasive and time-consuming, and since the autonomic nerve fibers of the vidian nerve are also distributed to the lacrimal gland, in some cases, it may cause chronic dry eye.

[0010] Thermal therapy may be a solution to the above-mentioned limitations in the prior treatment of ENT disorders such as rhinitis. This type of therapy selectively alters tissues generate temperature changes that can cause temporary or permanent damage in some cases and treat tissues by inducing them. The application of thermal energy according to the type of tissue targeted for treatment and the body area can bring various benefits, including the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, the destruction of cancer tissue masses, and the alteration of nerve signal transmission pathways. Tissue ablation is a type of thermotherapy that causes destructive tissue damage. Such damage can be induced by the application of heat (e.g., using high frequency, laser, microwave, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), or resistive heating methods) or by the application of cooling energy (e.g., using cryoablation methods).

[0011] The term "cryotherapy" refers to a type of thermotherapy that involves inducing cold or low temperature in body tissues and generally includes treatments known as hypothermia therapy and cryoablation. Depending on the temperature and the related exposure time, the clinical goals of various cryotherapy can range from improved tissue healing / recovery (such as hypothermia therapy employed during physical therapy sessions) to selective tissue damage or destruction (such as during cryoablation used for neuroregulation therapy or tumor destruction purposes). Any tissue damage introduced during cryotherapy can be temporary or permanent, depending on the characteristics of the tissue being treated and the treatment method being performed.

[0012] Recently, various cryotherapy techniques have become popular for use in ENT procedures. Applications ​​​​​​​​​​Examples include treatments for rhinitis, turbinate hypertrophy, and other clinical pathologies. For ENT Recent cryotherapy often involves using a compressed cryogenic liquid (such as nitrous oxide) that expands into a gas while transitioning to atmospheric pressure to provide a cooling source. The method of performing cryotherapy generally does not require a complex system associated with cooling by thermoelectric / Peltier effect and circulating fluid, such as pumps, wires, and / or other electrical hardware. With the recent rapid increase in the popularity of cryotherapy for ENT applications, devices, systems, and methods for performing cryotherapy for ENT have also evolved and improved. Some of the developments in equipment and technology are aimed at improving medical outcomes, while others are related to either commercial or training purposes. For example, ENT procedures are increasingly being performed on outpatients in a clinic environment, and the equipment and technology used in that environment can be very different from what is considered practical and safe for use in a hospital. However, even with recent technological developments, some limitations remain in existing state-of-the-art cryotherapy equipment.

[0013] Therefore, if the existing limitations known to those skilled in the art are addressed with practical and cost-effective solutions, the field of cryotherapy for ENT applications would be significantly improved. By continuously improving cryotherapy and other thermal therapy devices and technologies, more physicians can perform the procedures, more patients can receive the procedures, and patients who receive the procedures can obtain better results.

[0014] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION ​​​​​​​​​​​​

[0015] The present disclosure relates to systems, devices, and methods for performing cryotherapy interventions. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to performing cryotherapy interventions for ENT disorders. The present disclosure is particularly useful when treating a patient during a clinic procedure or in other situations where general anesthesia is not available, practical, and / or advisable. There are situations where it is particularly useful. The present disclosure may be particularly useful during cryotherapy procedures applied within the upper airway.

[0016] The present disclosure provides methods, devices, and systems for advancing cryotherapy using solutions that improve the balance between simplicity, feasibility, and effectiveness. More particularly, the systems, devices, and / or methods of the present disclosure enable the performance of cryotherapy in the nasal cavity or other body lumens in an improved manner. Achieving this would improve the patient experience when undergoing such important treatments, which may encourage more patients to choose to undergo said treatment, and thus is valuable. In one example, the present disclosure provides a device. The device includes a probe shaft having a distal end and a proximal end. The probe shaft has a curved portion such that the longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the probe shaft has a non-zero angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion of the probe shaft. The flexibility of the proximal portion of the probe shaft is greater than the flexibility of the distal portion of the probe shaft. The device also includes a housing coupled to the proximal end of the probe shaft and a handle coupled to the housing. The device also includes a probe shaft.

[0017] ​​​​​​​​The end effector is coupled to a distal end of the probe shaft. The distal end of the catheter is advanced through the patient's nasal cavity to expose a nasal tissue region having at least one nasal nerve. The end effector defines an atraumatic surface when positioned immediately adjacent to the nasal tissue region. The device is also configured to transmit lateral pressure to the area positioned on the handle. The trigger includes a trigger that, when activated, causes the end effector to contact the nasal tissue area. Sometimes, the end effector ablates at least one nasal nerve.

[0018] In another example, the present disclosure provides another device, the device having a distal end and a proximal end. The probe shaft includes a distal portion of the probe shaft. The longitudinal axis has a non-zero angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion of the probe shaft. The probe shaft is positioned between the distal portion of the probe shaft and the proximal portion of the probe shaft so that the The proximal portion of the probe shaft has a first tube having a first diameter. a second tube having a second diameter greater than the first diameter, forming an air gap; The device also includes a probe shaft having a first tube and a second tube separated by a cap. The device includes a housing coupled to the proximal end and a handle coupled to the housing. The device also includes an end effector coupled to a distal end of the probe shaft. The vector is adapted to advance a distal end of the probe shaft through the patient's nasal cavity and to induce at least one It defines an atraumatic surface when positioned proximate to the nasal tissue area containing the nasal nerve. The effector is configured to transmit lateral pressure to the nasal tissue region. and includes a trigger positioned on the handle. When the trigger is actuated, the end effector ablates at least one nasal nerve when the end effector is in contact with the nasal tissue region. When the end effector is in contact with the nasal tissue region, the end effector ablates at least one nasal nerve. -tion.

[0019] In yet another example, the present disclosure provides a method of treating a nasal tissue region of a patient's nasal cavity. The method includes introducing a distal end of a probe shaft through the nasal cavity. The distal end of the probe shaft has an end effector having a low profile configured to manipulate tissue within the nasal cavity. The probe shaft has a curved portion such that the longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the probe shaft has a non-zero angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion of the probe shaft. The proximal portion of the probe shaft is more flexible than the distal portion of the probe shaft. The method also includes reconfiguring the end effector from a first configuration to a second configuration in which the end effector is shaped to contact and conform to the contour of the nasal tissue region. The method also includes ablating at least one nasal nerve of the nasal tissue region via the end effector. The method includes introducing a distal end of a probe shaft through the nasal cavity. The distal end of the probe shaft has an end effector having a low profile configured to manipulate tissue within the nasal cavity. The probe shaft includes a distal portion of the probe shaft. The longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the probe shaft has a non-zero angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion of the probe shaft. The proximal portion of the probe shaft is more flexible than the distal portion of the probe shaft. The method also includes reconfiguring the end effector from a first configuration to a second configuration in which the end effector is shaped to contact and conform to the contour of the nasal tissue region. The method also includes reconfiguring the end effector from a first configuration to a second configuration in which the end effector is shaped to contact and conform to the contour of the nasal tissue region. The method also includes ablating at least one nasal nerve of the nasal tissue region via the end effector. -tion.

[0020] These and other aspects, advantages, and alternatives will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings as appropriate. -tives will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings as appropriate.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Exemplary methods and systems are described herein. "," "exemplary" and "illustrative" "e)" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." example, instance, or illustration) It should be understood that the terms "example," "exemplary," or "illustrative" are used herein in a specific sense. Any example or feature described as being "exemplary" is not necessarily superior to other examples or features. The examples set forth herein are not intended to be construed as being preferred or advantageous. The aspects of the present disclosure generally described and illustrated in the figures herein include, but are not limited to, those described in detail herein. The present invention may be arranged, substituted, combined, and separated in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are expressly contemplated herein. It will be readily understood that the spacing and design can be varied.

[0023] Additionally, the particular configurations shown in the figures should not be considered limiting. Other examples may be included in a given figure. It should be understood that the invention may include more or less of each element shown. Some of the elements shown may be combined or omitted. It may contain elements that are not part of the

[0024] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed concepts. However, the concepts may be practiced without some or all of these details. To avoid unnecessarily obscuring the display, Some concepts are described with specific examples, but the examples are not intended to be limiting. It is understood that no determination is intended.

[0025] Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "first", "second", etc. are used herein as mere labels and do not impose an order, position, or hierarchical requirement on the elements they refer to. Further, for example, when referring to a "second" element, it does not necessarily require the presence of, for example, a "first" element or an element with a small number, and / or it also does not exclude the presence of, for example, a "third" element or an element with a large number.

[0026] As used herein, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware "configured to" perform a particular function is not merely potentially capable of performing the particular function after further modification, but is indeed capable of performing the particular function. In other words, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware "configured to" perform a particular function is, in detail, selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and / or designed for the purpose of performing the particular function. As used herein, "configured to" means that the existing features of a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware enable that system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware to perform a particular function without further modification. In the present disclosure, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware represented as "configured to" perform a particular function The ware may also or alternatively be "adapted to" and / or "operative to" perform its function. adapted to operate to

[0027] The limitations in the following claims are not in means - plus - function format, and are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless such claim limitations expressly use the phrase "means for" and are followed by a statement of function without further structure. The terms "about", "approximately", or "substantially" with respect to an amount or measurement recited herein are intended to mean that the recited feature, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, limits of measurement accuracy, and other factors known to those of skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the feature is intended to bring about.

[0028] Illustrative and non - exhaustive examples of the subject matter of this disclosure, whether or not claimed, are presented below. This disclosure relates to systems, devices, and methods for applying cryotherapy. More particularly, this disclosure relates to applying cryotherapy to applications related to disorders of the ear, nose, and throat. The devices and methods described herein may be particularly useful when treating patients in a clinical setting. The disclosed methods, devices, and systems can be used to perform procedures on patients

[0029] in a clinical setting. Examples are presented below.

[0030] This disclosure relates to systems, devices, and methods for applying cryotherapy. More particularly, this disclosure relates to applying cryotherapy to applications related to disorders of the ear, nose, and throat. The devices and methods described herein may be particularly useful when treating patients in a clinical setting. The disclosed methods, devices, and systems can be used to perform procedures By using it, it is possible to perform more effective and realistic cryotherapy treatment based on existing equipment and technology, which is improved. It can enable the implementation of cryotherapy treatment.

[0031] For any of the specific applications described below, or for any other type of thermal or non-thermal treatment system or treatment method, various aspects of the present disclosure described herein may be utilized. The present disclosure may be used as a stand-alone system or method, or as part of an integrated medical treatment system. Generally, the present disclosure attempts to improve at least some aspects of existing cryotherapy devices. The described improvements enable better results, more realistic use, and ultimately benefit both patients and medical providers. Referring to the figures, FIG. 1 is a view of the interior of the nasal cavity showing some related nasal anatomical structures. For orientation, the nasal cavity side wall 4, nose 1, nostrils 2, and upper lip 3 are shown. The superior turbinate 5, middle turbinate 6, and inferior turbinate 7 are shown together with the related nerves, which are relevant to the present disclosure and are shown by dashed lines. The posterior nasal nerves 10, 11, and 12 play a role in parasympathetically innervating the nasal mucosa, which includes the mucosa covering the turbinates. These posterior nasal nerves (PNN) emerge from the pterygopalatine ganglion. In some cases, other accessory posterior nasal nerves (APNN) may emerge from the greater palatine canal or from the submucosal bony plate.

[0032]

[0033]

[0034] Figure 2 is a schematic view of device 100, which is configured for the treatment of a nasal tissue region having at least one nasal nerve for the treatment of rhinitis and / or other conditions. As shown in FIG. 2, device 100 includes a probe shaft 102 having a distal end 104 and a proximal end 106. As shown in the top view of device 100 of FIG. 3, probe shaft 102 has a curved portion 108 such that the longitudinal axis 110 of the distal portion 112 of probe shaft 102 has a non-zero angle 114 with respect to the longitudinal axis 116 of the proximal portion 118 of probe shaft 102. As discussed in more detail below, the flexibility of the proximal portion 118 of probe shaft 102 can be made greater than the flexibility of the distal portion 112 of probe shaft 102. By way of example, the length of the proximal portion 118 of probe shaft 102 is at least twice or at least three times greater than the length of the distal portion 112 of probe shaft 102. The distal portion 112 of probe shaft 102 can extend from the distal end 104 of probe shaft 102 to the curved portion 108. The proximal portion 118 of probe shaft 102 extends from the proximal end 106 of probe shaft 102 to the curved portion 108. As shown in FIG. 2, device 100 also includes a housing 119 coupled to the proximal end 106 of probe shaft 102 and a handle 120 coupled to housing 119. The proximal end 106 of probe shaft 102 may extend into housing 119. In one example, as shown in FIG. 2, handle 120 includes a pistol grip including a finger grip 125. Thus, device 100, as shown in FIG. 2, can be used with handle 120.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, device 100 also includes a housing 119 coupled to the proximal end 106 of probe shaft 102 and a handle 120 coupled to housing 119. The proximal end 106 of probe shaft 102 may extend into housing 119. In one example, as shown in FIG. 2, handle 120 includes a pistol grip including a finger grip 125. Thus, device 100, as shown in FIG. 2, can be used with handle 120. ​​​​It may be configured to be held like a pistol by the practitioner. The following configuration is also possible.

[0036] The device 100 also includes an endoscope coupled to a distal end 104 of the probe shaft 102. Generally, the end effector 122 includes The end effector 1 is configured to ablate adjacent target tissue. 22 is a cryogenic fluid (e.g., the end effector 122 includes a cryoablation element (which may include radio frequency (RF) energy, microwave energy, ultrasonic energy, resistive heating, exothermic chemical reactions, or combinations thereof. The endoscope can be configured to ablate at least one nasal nerve using the endoscope. The effector 122 is configured to ablate the target tissue region using a cryogenic fluid. Although end effector 122 is described below with respect to an implementation thereof, end effector 1 22 may additionally or instead be used with any of the other ablation modalities mentioned above. The device can be configured to ablate the target tissue using one or more of the following: Thus, the end effector 122 may have several variations as described herein. are shown and may be optionally substituted depending on the particular example utilized by the practitioner.

[0037] The end effector 122 is adapted to guide the distal end 104 of the probe shaft 102 through the patient's nasal cavity. and advancing the nasal tissue area having at least one nasal nerve, e.g., associated with the lateral wall of the nose. The atraumatic surface can be defined when the nasal nerve is positioned proximal to the nasal nerve. For example, The non-traumatic surface of the end effector 122 has rounded and / or non-sharp edges and can eliminate angled or sharp edges. To assist in defining the non-traumatic surface, the end effector 122 can, in addition to or instead of that, be formed from a flexible material that can conform to the shape of the anatomical structures contacted by the end effector 122 when the end effector 122 traverses the nasal cavity. By way of example, the end effector 122 can be formed from at least one material selected from the group of materials including at least partially silicone rubber, urethane rubber, nylon, and / or polymeric compounds (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET)). When positioned within the nasal tissue region, the end effector 122 is configured to transmit lateral pressure to the nasal tissue region. For example, the device 100 can be configured such that an operator can press the end effector 122 against the sidewall of the nose in the immediate vicinity of the target posterior nasal nerve. In some implementations, the end effector 122 can be configured to conform to the shape of the target tissue (e.g., the sidewall of the nose) and engage the target tissue (e.g., the sidewall of the nose) more uniformly with a substantially uniform contact pressure as compared to an end effector 122 that does not conform to the shape of the target tissue. This helps to effectively ablate the target tissue region relatively uniformly, and thus the target tissue region can be ablated more predictably and controllably to achieve the desired clinical outcome. In one example, the probe shaft 102 has a length between about 4 cm and about 10 cm and a diameter of about

[0038]

[0039] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​It may be between 1 mm and about 4 mm. In some examples, the end effector 122 may have an outer diameter that is close to the diameter of the probe shaft 102. In other examples, the diameter of the end effector 122 may be larger or smaller than the diameter of the probe shaft 102. In addition , in one example, the extended length of the end effector 122 may be between about 0.5 cm and about 1.5 cm . The end effector 122 can be made substantially flexible along the longitudinal axis of the end effector 122 (e.g., along axis 110). However, the end effector 122 is at least partially malleable and may be configured to be shaped by the user . Shaping the end effector 122 may be performed manually by the operator . Devices 100 with end effectors 122 of various lengths, shapes, and diameters may be produced and supplied to end users .

[0040] In some examples, the end effector 122 may, in addition or instead, (i ) the longitudinal axis 110 of the distal portion 112 of the probe shaft 102 has a non-zero angle with respect to the longitudinal axis 116 of the proximal portion 118 of the probe shaft 10 2, such that the probe shaft 102 has a curved portion 108, (ii) the flexibility of the proximal portion 118 of the probe shaft 102 is greater than the flexibility of the distal portion 112 of the probe shaft 102 , based on at least one characteristic selected from the group of characteristics including , can be configured to transmit lateral pressure to the nasal tissue region . .

[0041] For example, due to the curved portion 108, the proximal portion 118 of the probe shaft 102 The end effector 122 can be brought into contact with the target nasal tissue region and flattened, while the proximal portion 118 of the probe shaft 102 exerts negligible or no pressure on other anatomical features of the nasal cavity. As shown in FIG. 3, the non-zero angle 114 between the longitudinal axis 110 of the distal portion 112 of the probe shaft 102 and the longitudinal axis 116 of the proximal portion 118 of the probe shaft 102 is between about 15 degrees and about 25 degrees, and preferably can be about 20 degrees. In addition or alternatively, by curving the probe shaft 102 at the curved portion 108, navigation of the end effector 122 through the nasal cavity can be facilitated and its maneuverability around structures such as the middle turbinate and the inferior turbinate can be improved. In one implementation of the device 100, as shown in FIG. 4, the curved portion 108 of the probe shaft 102 is positioned at a location about 4 cm from the distal end of the end effector 122 of the probe shaft 102, and due to the

[0042] curved portion 108 of the probe shaft 102, the distal end of the end effector 122 of the probe shaft 102 is laterally deflected by about 1 cm with respect to the longitudinal axis 116 of the proximal portion 118 of the probe shaft 102. Positioning the curved portion 108 of the probe shaft 102 at a location about 4 cm from the distal end of the end effector 122 has been found to be beneficial in assisting in targeting the inferior turbinate using the device 100. For procedures targeting different tissue regions, the curved portion 108 can be positioned at different distances relative to the distal end of the end effector 122. In the case of the presently disclosed example, improved (or optimized) navigation performance is created, and the end effector In the case of procedures targeting different tissue regions, the curved portion 108 can be positioned at different distances relative to the distal end of the end effector 122. In the case of the presently disclosed example, improved (or optimized) navigation performance is created, and the end effector The ability to make sufficient contact between the actuator 122 and important anatomical structures within the nasal cavity is improved. .

[0043] In addition, as mentioned above, the flexibility of the proximal portion 118 of the probe shaft 102 can be made greater than the flexibility of the distal portion 112 of the probe shaft 102. Such a difference in flexibility between the proximal portion 118 and the distal portion 112 of the probe shaft 102 can provide a bending position of the probe shaft 102 at a position between the proximal portion 118 and the distal portion 112 (e.g., at the curved portion 108 of the probe shaft 102) when the end effector 122 engages the target tissue region. The bending position between the proximal portion 118 and the distal portion 112 can be located more proximally along the probe shaft 102 than the bending position of a probe shaft 102 in an implementation where the proximal portion 118 and the distal portion 112 of the probe shaft 102 do not have a difference in flexibility. Compared to an implementation where the flexibility of the probe shaft 102 is substantially the same throughout the entire length of the probe shaft 102, providing a bending position more proximally along the probe shaft 102 allows a relatively large portion (e.g., more than 50 percent) or the entire surface of the end effector 122 facing the tissue to contact the surface of the target tissue (e.g., the side wall of the nose) more uniformly when the operator manipulates the handle 120 in the direction towards the target tissue. In some examples, to provide a difference in flexibility between the proximal portion 118 and the distal portion 112 of the probe shaft 102, the proximal portion 118 and the distal portion of the probe shaft 102

[0044] In some examples, to provide a difference in flexibility between the proximal portion 118 and the distal portion 112 of the probe shaft 102, the proximal portion 118 and the distal portion of the probe shaft 102 112 can be formed from (i) different materials and / or (ii) have different dimensions. For example, the proximal portion 118 can be formed from one or more rigid materials selected from a metal tube (i.e., stainless steel tube), a polymer tube / plastic tube (i.e., PEEK, nylon, ABS, urethane, polyethylene ), and a woven tube / blade tube. Each of the distal portions 112 can be formed from one or more materials selected from a thermoplastic elastomer (e.g., polyether block amide (also known as PEBAX ), nylon, urethane, polyethylene, polyether ether ketone (PEEK ), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE: polytetrafluoroeth ylene), a laser-cut metal tube, a metal coil material, and a mesh / blade shaft material. In addition, for example, one or more materials selected for the proximal portion 118 can be different from one or more materials selected for the distal portion 112. ), nylon, urethane, polyethylene, polyether ether ketone (PEEK K), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE: polytetrafluoroeth ylene), a laser-cut metal tube, a metal coil material, and a mesh / blade shaft material. In addition, for example, one or more materials selected for the proximal portion 118 can be different from one or more materials selected for the distal portion 112. can be made different from one or more materials selected for the distal portion 112.

[0045] In one example, the distal portion 112 of the probe shaft 102 can have a flexibility that is about 2 to about 4 times greater than the flexibility of the proximal portion 118 of the probe shaft 102. In a certain implementation, the distal portion 112 can have a respective hardness selected from the range of values between about 35 Shore D and about 72 Shore D.

[0046] In addition, in one example, the distal portion 112 of the probe shaft 102 is about 22 with respect to the proximal portion 118 of the probe shaft, the distal portion 112 and the end effector 122 The force required to bend the degree can be between about 0.3 pounds and about 0.7 pounds and can have respective values of stiffness and / or flexibility. In another example, the pro The distal portion 112 of the probe shaft 102 is distal with respect to the proximal portion 118 of the probe shaft The force required to bend the distal portion 112 and the end effector 122 by about 22 degrees can be between about 0.6 pounds and about 0.7 pounds so that it can have respective values of stiffness and / or flexibility. In another example, the distal portion 112 of the probe shaft 102 can have respective values of stiffness and / or flexibility such that the force required to bend the distal portion 112 and the end effector 1 22 by about 22 degrees with respect to the proximal portion 118 of the probe shaft is between about 0.3 pounds and about 0.5 pounds and can be so. The probe shaft 102 may be rotatably coupled to the housing 119 of the device 100 and configured to facilitate positioning of the end effector 122 without the need to rotate the device 100 excessively. In one example, the probe shaft 102 is rotatable 180 degrees with respect to the housing 119 of the device 100. Thus, the non-zero angle 114 between the longitudinal axis 110 of the distal portion 112 of the probe shaft 102 and the longitudinal axis 116 of the proximal portion 1

[0047] 18 of the probe shaft 102 may be adjustable from a state angled to the left when viewing the device 100 from above to a state angled to the right when viewing the device 100 from above. For example, during use, the operator inserts the end effector 122 of the device 100 into the patient's left nostril to ablate the target nasal nerve and removes the device from the patient's nasal cavity and can be configured to facilitate positioning of the end effector 122 without the need to rotate the device 100 excessively. In one example, the probe shaft 102 is rotatable 180 degrees with respect to the housing 119 of the device 100. Thus, the non-zero angle 114 between the longitudinal axis 110 of the distal portion 112 of the probe shaft 102 and the longitudinal axis 116 of the proximal portion 1 18 of the probe shaft 102 may be adjustable from a state angled to the left when viewing the device 100 from above to a state angled to the right when viewing the device 100 from above. For example, during use, the operator inserts the end effector 122 of the device 100 into the patient's left nostril to ablate the target nasal nerve and removes the device from the patient's nasal cavity 100 and then, without rotating the device 100 too much, rotates the probe shaft 102 to position the end effector 122 in the patient's right nostril and ablates the target nasal nerve. The longitudinal axis 110 of the distal portion 112 of the probe shaft 102 and the longitudinal axis 1 of the proximal portion 1 of the probe shaft 1 18 of the probe shaft 102 may be adjustable from a state angled to the left when viewing the device 100 from above to a state angled to the right when viewing the device 100 from above. For example, during use, the operator inserts the end effector 122 of the device 100 into the patient's left nostril to ablate the target nasal nerve and removes the device from the patient's nasal cavity and then, without rotating the device 100 too much, rotates the probe shaft 102 to position the end effector 122 in the patient's right nostril and ablates the target nasal nerve. For example, during use, the operator inserts the end effector 122 of the device 100 into the patient's left nostril to ablate the target nasal nerve and removes the device from the patient's nasal cavity and then, without rotating the device 100 too much, rotates the probe shaft 102 to position the end effector 122 in the patient's right nostril and ablates the target nasal nerve. Extract the chair, rotate the probe shaft 102 by 180 degrees, and then the handle 120 Without modifying the operator's grip on the handle 120, the end effector 122 of the device 100 can be inserted into the patient's right nostril to ablate the target nasal nerve.

[0048] In a specific example, the portion of the housing 119 of the device 100 immediately proximal to the proximal end 106 of the probe shaft 102 may include a pair of detents and a corresponding pair of notches. The pair of detents may be positioned approximately 180 degrees apart, and the corresponding pair of notches may also be positioned approximately 180 degrees apart. In a first configuration (e.g., a configuration in which the probe shaft 102 is angled to the left when the device 100 is viewed from above), the first detent of the pair of detents is positioned in the first notch of the pair of notches, and the second detent of the pair of detents is positioned in the second notch of the pair of notches. When the probe shaft 102 rotates, the pair of detents may be configured to rotate relative to the pair of notches until the device 100 reaches a second configuration. In the second configuration (e.g., a configuration in which the probe shaft 102 is angled to the right when the device 100 is viewed from above), the first detent is positioned in the second notch, and the second detent is positioned in the first notch.

[0049] The device 100 includes a trigger 124 positioned on the handle 120. When the trigger 124 is actuated, the end effector 122 ablates at least one nasal nerve of the nasal tissue when the end effector 122 is in contact with the nasal tissue region. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​At least one nasal nerve can include, as a non-limiting example, the posterior nasal nerve of the nasal branch of the vidian nerve. In another example, the distal end 104 of the probe shaft 102 is advanced through the patient's nasal cavity and proximate to the sphenopalatine foramen. As mentioned above, due to the difference in flexibility between the proximal portion 118 of the probe shaft 102 and the distal portion 112 of the probe shaft 102, the bending position of the probe shaft 102 shifts to a more proximal position on the device 100, enabling the end effector 122 to rest on a flat surface such as the nasal side wall as described above. Additionally or alternatively, such a difference in flexibility enables the device 100 to accommodate a larger range of anatomical structures without the operator having to apply an inappropriately large force to the tissue. In addition or instead, such a difference in flexibility enables the device 100 to accommodate a larger range of anatomical structures without the operator having to apply an inappropriately large force to the tissue to establish proper tissue contact.

[0050] As mentioned above, the end effector 122 can be configured to ablate at least one nasal nerve using at least one ablation modality selected from the group of modalities including cryogenic fluid (e.g., cryoablation element), RF energy, microwave energy, ultrasonic energy, resistive heating, exothermic chemical reactions, or combinations thereof. In one example, the device 100 includes a cryogenic fluid source 126 that is at least partially positioned in the handle 120 and a lumen disposed in the probe shaft 102 that is in fluid communication with the cryogenic fluid source 126. In one example, the cryogenic fluid source 126 can be configured to supply liquid cryogenic fluid and be used for only one patient. At least one nasal nerve can be ablated using at least one ablation modality selected from the group of modalities including cryogenic fluid (e.g., cryoablation element), RF energy, microwave energy, ultrasonic energy, resistive heating, exothermic chemical reactions, or combinations thereof. In one example, the device 100 includes a cryogenic fluid source 126 that is at least partially positioned in the handle 120 and a lumen disposed in the probe shaft 102 that is in fluid communication with the cryogenic fluid source 126. In one example, the cryogenic fluid source 126 can be configured to supply liquid cryogenic fluid and be used for only one patient. In one example, the cryogenic fluid source 126 can be configured to supply liquid cryogenic fluid and be used for only one patient. In one example, the cryogenic fluid source 126 can be configured to supply liquid cryogenic fluid and be used for only one patient.

[0051] Alternatively, the device 100 is at least partially configured to be used with a user-exchangeable cryogenic fluid source 126 in the form of a container that is positioned as such. An example of such a container is shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, the cryogenic fluid source 126 includes a cap 127 and a plurality of threads 129, and the threads 129 are configured to interact with a plurality of threads 131 (see FIG. 7) of the handle 120, such that the cryogenic fluid source 126 is removably coupled to the device 100. In yet another alternative form, a reservoir separate from the device 100 may be fluidly coupled to the handle 120. In such an example, the device 100 further includes a liquid cryogenic fluid flow control valve (not shown further), and the control valve may be disposed to be in fluid communication with the cryogenic fluid source 126 and the lumen in the probe shaft 102.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a side view of the device, showing the height 128 of the cryogenic fluid source 126 with respect to the longitudinal axis 116 of the proximal portion 118 of the probe shaft 102. In one example, the height 1 28 is less than about 2 cm. In another example, the height 128 can be about 0.5 inches (e.g., about 1. 27 cm). This height of this size allows all the necessary device elements, including the cryogenic fluid source 126 and associated cryoline input features, to fit into the device 100 in an orientation that allows proper outflow, while at the same time providing sufficient torque for the placement / perforation of the cryogenic fluid container and subsequent removal of the container after treatment, and sufficient gripping space for the user to rotate the cap of the cryogenic fluid source 126. Reducing the height allows the operator to hold the device with one hand and, at the same time, almost It is possible to operate the endoscope (or other tool) with the second hand without much interference, which brings several advantages to the convenience of the operator and ultimately the prospects of the success of the procedure. More specifically, when reducing the height 128, when navigating the device 100 into the nasal cavity, the second hand operating the endoscope or other tool can freely cross the hand surface of the device.

[0053] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, the device 100 includes an angle 130 between the longitudinal axis 132 of the cryogenic fluid source 126 and the longitudinal axis 116 of the proximal portion 118 of the probe shaft 102. In one example, the angle 130 between the longitudinal axis 132 of the cryogenic fluid source 126 and the longitudinal axis 116 of the proximal portion 118 of the probe shaft 102 allows for the flow of cryogenic fluid from the cryogenic fluid source 126 to the end effector 122 whether the patient is sitting upright or lying prone. In an exemplary implementation, the angle 130 between the longitudinal axis 132 of the cryogenic fluid source 126 and the longitudinal axis 116 of the proximal portion 118 of the probe shaft 102 can be in the range of about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees, about 10 degrees to about 90 degrees, about 20 degrees to about 90 degrees, about 30 degrees to about 90 degrees, about 40 degrees to about 90 degrees, about 50 degrees to about 90 degrees, about 60 degrees to about 90 degrees, about 60 degrees to about 100 degrees, and about 70 degrees to about 90 degrees. In another implementation, the angle 130 can be about 75 degrees to facilitate the treatment of patients who are completely prone and patients who are completely sitting upright. Furthermore, the relative angle between the longitudinal axis 132 of the cryogenic fluid source 126 and the longitudinal axis 116 of the proximal portion 118 of the probe shaft 102 is about 7 ​​​​​​​​ Being at 5 degrees also takes into account the position of the patient's head relative to the patient's body. Thus, the currently disclosed design allows for improving (or optimizing) flexibility and degrees of freedom for a provider to treat patients in a maximum number of positions.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 7, an example of the currently disclosed device 100 includes a trigger 124 that allows for a simplified operation that can be reliably used by a user with one hand or with a single finger. As shown, some implementations include a trigger-type toggle valve 134 that can be depressed by a user to initiate the release of cryogenic fluid through the probe shaft 102 into the end effector 122.

[0055] In addition, in FIG. 7, the trigger 124 includes a lockout lever 136. In one implementation, the lockout lever 136 can be biased toward the toggle valve 134 (e.g., by a torsion spring). In response to pushing the toggle valve 134 from its initial position toward the handle 120, the lockout lever 136 can move away and extend distally toward the toggle valve 134, thereby preventing the toggle valve 134 from returning to its initial position. While the lockout lever 136 obstructs the toggle valve 134, cryogenic fluid can continue to flow from the cryogenic fluid source 126 to the end effector 122. To terminate the release of cryogenic fluid, the user can move the lockout lever 136 against the biasing force, thereby allowing the toggle valve 134 to return to its initial position.

[0056] ​​​​​​​​​​​​In some implementations, the operator may apply about 4 pounds of force to push toggle valve 134 so that cryogenic fluid may flow to end effector 122. During some procedures, the operator may maintain that force against toggle valve 134 for about 30 seconds per nostril of a given patient and perform that procedure on multiple patients on a given day. As a result, lockout lever 136 can help relieve fatigue in the fingers of the operator who operates device 100 by allowing cryogenic fluid to continue to flow without the operator having to maintain force against toggle valve 134 throughout the procedure. Lockout lever 136 can provide such benefits, but device 100 can omit lockout lever 135 in some alternative implementations. In some examples, toggle valve 134 and lockout lever 136 are located proximate to handle 120 in a position such that it is expected that anyone, including an adult operator, can reach toggle valve 134 with the same fingers of the hand that grip handle 120. As a result of improving existing devices in this manner, the presently disclosed device 100 can now be appropriately operated with one hand. Thus, device 100 may be configured to be gripped by a user like a pistol having a pistol grip in which toggle valve 134 is configured like the trigger of a pistol. Other example configurations are possible. Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary trigger 124 of device 100. That trigger 124 uses positive pressure from a nitrous oxide container to lift membrane 146 and proximal cryoliner

[0057]

[0058] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Allows for flow between the proximal cryoline 148 and the distal cryoline 150. As shown in FIG. 8, the trigger 124 includes a valve housing 152, a valve plug 154, a membrane 146, a set screw 156, a valve stem 158, a toggle valve 134, and a trigger spring 160. The set screw 156 of the valve housing 152 holds the valve plug 154 and the membrane 146 in close contact with each other to form a seal along the perimeter of the valve housing 152. In its default state, the trigger 124 is in the closed position, where the trigger spring 160 and the valve stem 158 exert sufficient force to seal the membrane 146 against the surface of the valve plug 154 where the hole to the proximal cryoline 148 is located. When the toggle valve 134 is pressed, the valve housing 152, the valve plug 154, and the membrane 146 move away from the valve stem 158. When the trigger 124 is moved only a sufficient distance from the valve stem 158, the force from the pressurized nitrous oxide becomes sufficient to break the seal of the membrane 146 having a hole to the proximal cryoline 148 located in the valve plug 154. This causes the membrane 14 6 to bulge into a dome shape, creating a pressurized space that can connect the proximal cryoline 148 and the distal cryoline 150. Releasing the toggle valve 134 returns the valve housing 152, the valve plug 154, and the membrane 146 to contact the valve stem 158 at a rate determined by the trigger spring 160, closing the proximal cryoline 148 on the membrane 146 and the valve plug 154.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 8, the distal cryo-line 150 may have an inner diameter smaller than that of the proximal cryo-line 148. With such a configuration, due to the extra resistance from the distal cryo-line 150 with a smaller inner diameter, when the space under the membrane 146 is in the open position, it can reliably receive the improved pressurization. The improved pressurization by the distal cryo-line 150 reduces the pressure drop at the proximal end of the distal cryo-line 150, enabling more efficient utilization of the cryogenic fluid.

[0060] The pressurized cryogenic fluid source 126 may contain a cryogenic fluid, for example, nitrous oxide, but it may also be another cryogenic fluid such as liquid carbon dioxide or a liquid chlorofluorocarbon compound. During use, the cryogenic fluid is introduced into the end effector 122 through the cryogenic fluid supply line, which is connected to the cryogenic fluid source 126 at the handle 120 and extends coaxially through the probe shaft 102. The end effector 122 is configured as a cryogenic fluid evaporator and is configured to be pressed against the nasal side wall in the immediate vicinity of the SPF as described above for cryoablation of at least one posterior nasal nerve. The structure, function, and alternatives of the end effector 122 will be described in detail below. The evaporated cryogenic fluid may be exhausted into the space, for example, through the probe shaft 102, near one or more vent ports 138 (shown in FIG. 9) near the proximal end 106 of the handle 120 or the probe shaft 102. Thus, the liquid or gaseous cryogenic fluid is not introduced into the patient's nasal cavity.

[0061] In one example of the present disclosure, as shown in FIGS. 10A - 10B, the end effector of the device 100 The cutter 122 includes a planar member 142 that defines a flat shape disposed at the distal end 104 of the probe shaft 102, and an expandable structure 144 that surrounds the planar member 142 and is coupled to the distal end 104 of the probe shaft 102. The planar member 142 includes an elongated structure having an arcuate edge so as to define a non-traumatic surface. The expandable structure 144 is expandable from a contracted configuration (shown in FIG. 10A) to an expanded configuration (shown in FIG. 10B). The interior of the expandable structure 144 is in fluid communication with a cryogenic fluid source 126. The expandable structure 144 is configured to transition from the contracted configuration to the expanded configuration when cryogenic fluid evaporates within the expandable structure 144. In use, the end effector 122 formed by the planar member 142 and the expandable structure 144 is configured as a cryogenic fluid evaporation chamber, and the outer surface of the expandable structure 144 is configured as a cryoablation surface. The expandable structure 144 is configured to apply a force to the nasal side wall, for example, between about 20 grams and about 200 grams. The expandable structure 144 may be formed from an elastomeric material such as silicone rubber or urethane rubber. Alternatively, the expandable structure 144 may be formed from a substantially non-elastomeric material such as nylon or PET. In one example, the expandable structure 144 is configured to expand to a predetermined shape and size in the expanded configuration, and the predetermined shape and size correspond to the shape and size of the nasal tissue region targeted for treatment. For example, the expandable structure 144 has a shape and size such that the structure is an exemplary target location for ablation of the posterior nasal nerve for rhinitis treatment, the end of the middle turbinate, the middle nose

[0062] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ The shape and size of the recess in the middle nasal meatus defined by the nasal septum, the nasal side wall, and the inferior nasal concha is configured to match. When the size and shape of the expandable structure 144 match the size and shape of the target anatomical structure, freezing of tissue and ablation of the posterior nasal nerve are facilitated improved. The expandable structure 144 may have an expansion diameter between about 3 mm and 12 mm along a certain radial axis, and the expansion diameter along a certain radial axis may be different from that of another radial axis and may be configured such that. The planar member 142 may include an elongated loop structure formed by a rigid wire configured to manipulate tissue in the nasal cavity . Further, the planar member 14 2 may be coupled inside the distal end 104 of the probe shaft 102 so that the planar member 142 is not attached inside the expandable structure 144 . During use, the device 100 is configured to controllably freeze at least one nasal nerve at a position less than 4 mm deep from the surface of the tissue region of the nasal side wall so as to reduce at least one symptom of the patient's rhinitis, and to cool the outer surface of the expandable structure 144 from -20 degrees Celsius to -90 degrees Celsius in less than 1 20 seconds .

[0063] In some examples of the device 100, the planar member 142 can be regarded as having a wide shape that follows the periphery of the expandable structure 144 . Also, in some examples, the planar member 142 can be coupled to the probe shaft 102 at a position approximately 15 mm proximal to the expandable structure 144 . As shown in FIGS. 10A - 10B, due to the aforementioned changes in the shape of the planar member 142 and the attachment configuration of the expandable structure 144, the degree of expansion of the expandable structure 144 ​​​The degree of expansion may be improved and may be made to allow greater expansion on both sides (i.e., an expandable structure). Structure 144 extends away from planar member 142 in both directions. And the geometry of the expandable structure 144 is particularly adapted to accommodate the nasal side walls as well as the middle turbinate itself. In some cases, it may be desirable to treat each part of the nasal cavity simultaneously. This may enhance contact with the tissue.

[0064] FIG. 11 illustrates an improved insulation system for a probe shaft 102, according to one example. Specifically, the polymer insulation layer that coats the exterior of the cannula (not shown in FIG. 11) is applied. Alternatively, a two-tube system may be used. As shown in FIG. The proximal portion 118 of the 02 includes a first tube 162 having a first diameter and a second tube 163 having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. and a second tube 164 having a second diameter greater than the first tube 162, the air gap being greater than the first tube 162. The tube 162 is separated from the second tube 164. During cryotherapy, the drainage of the cryogenic fluid is It travels through the smaller inner first tube 162. This smaller first tube The tube 162 is a larger second tube with an air gap separating the two tubes. As mentioned above, the polymer insulation layer is placed over the entire assembly. As a result, the inner exhaust tube (e.g., the first tube 162) Improved insulation of the exterior surface of the probe shaft 102 results in improved thermal insulation of the probe shaft during use. It can be seen that there is almost no temperature change outside the container 102.

[0065] A preferred implementation of such an insulated system is stainless steel or other similar A hypochute composed of the material may be utilized. Stainless steel provides sufficient mechanical strength while at the same time enabling the tube wall to be of a minimum thickness. Limiting the thickness of the tube wall maximizes the size of the air gap between adjacent tubes and thus maximizes insulation. In one example, the inner first tube 162 may have an inner diameter of about 0 .046 inches and an outer diameter of about 0.056 inches. This inner diameter size ensures sufficient area for the cryogenic fluid to flow through the lumen of the inner tube to achieve the desired pressure within the end effector 122. This outer diameter size helps prevent twisting of the first tube 1 62 during use. In one example, the outer second tube 164 has an inner diameter of about 0.085 inches and an outer diameter of about 0.095 inches. The outer diameter of the second tube 164 of the described size minimizes the profile of the probe shaft 102 for navigation within the nasal cavity, and the inner diameter of this outer second tube 164 is also selected to prevent twisting of the tube. In the described example, the resulting air pocket for insulation is about 0.014 - 0.015 inches. In a preferred implementation, the first tube 1 62 and the second tube 164 are aligned at their distal and proximal edges. Materials such as stainless steel provide the additional benefit of ensuring the separation of the first tube 162 and the second tube 164 in their relative spacing, thus maximizing insulation and preventing cold spots.

[0066] The probe shaft 102 may be made of a biocompatible material. In one example, the distal portion 112 of the probe shaft 102 includes a first material, and the probe shaft 102 The proximal portion 118 comprises a second material that is different from the first material. In one example, the first material comprises a polymer, and the second material comprises stainless steel. As will be discussed in more detail below, such material differences can result in a difference in flexibility between the proximal portion 118 of the probe shaft 102 and the distal portion 112 of the probe shaft 102. FIG. 11 shows the distal end 104 of a probe shaft 102 of such an example.

[0067] Specifically, FIG. 11 shows the distal end 104 of the probe shaft 102 as a multi-lumen polymer tube 166. The polymer tube 166 is located between the proximal portion 118 of the probe shaft 102 (shown as the inner first tube 162) and the planar member 142. At a location remote from the distal end 104 of the probe shaft 102, the inner first tube 162 enters into a larger outer second tube 164 that surrounds the inner first tube 162, as discussed above. As a non-limiting example, the first tube 162 and the second tube 164 may comprise stainless steel. The paddle legs of the planar member 142 may be laser welded in place after passing through the flexible polymer tube 166. Such a configuration maintains the desired rigidity in the plane of the planar member 142 and continues to provide a sealed inner lumen for drainage, while enhancing the flexibility at the surface of the expected tissue contact due to the inherent flexibility of the polymer tube 166. In other words, bending of the end effector 122 can initiate closer to the proximal along the probe shaft 102 and achieve a comparable amount of bending with a smaller overall force applied.

[0068] In an example of the presently disclosed device 100, the planar member 142 may be constructed from stainless steel wire having a diameter in the range of about 0.010 to about 0.020 inches, with a preferred diameter of 0.015 inches. In some examples, the wire is shaped to ensure that it does not interfere with the spray of cryogenic fluid exiting the probe shaft 102, such that the wire is narrowed proximal to the planar member 142 to minimize the profile of the structure. The shape of the planar member 142 shown in FIG. 2 is an example of a suitable shape, but it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that alternative shapes are possible without losing novelty. In some examples, the legs of the planar member 142 may have a length in the range of about 5 to about 50 mm with a preferred length of about 30 mm. In an example of the presently disclosed device 100, the wire legs of the planar member 142 may be inserted into the tubing for example, into a three-lumen polymeric tube 166. Each leg may be inserted into a separate lumen sized to fit snugly around the wire . In some examples, the central lumen may remain open for use in other device purposes such as a drain lumen for the evaporated cryogenic fluid material. In alternative examples, the polymeric tube 166 may include fewer than 3 or more than 3 lumens. In some examples, the polymeric tube 166 is positioned such that its distal end contacts the proximal end of the planar member 142. The polymeric tube 166 is preferably constructed from a thermoplastic elastomer having a hardness in the range of 40 to 80 Shore D

[0069] or another suitable polymeric material, and another suitable polymeric material retains suitable flexibility while undergoing heat treatment and maintaining the ability to be attached to a similar material. Preferably ​​​​​​​​​ In some examples, the polymeric tube 166 is about 20 mm in length. In one example, during device construction the proximal end of the central lumen of the polymeric tube 166 is curved so that the polymeric tube 166 overlaps the proximal portion 118 of the probe shaft 102 of the rigid body by only between about 2 mm and about 7 mm and is pressed against the proximal portion 118 of the probe shaft 102 of the curved rigid body. Then, the wire legs of the planar member 142 may be attached to the probe shaft 102 by laser welding or similar techniques. In some examples, the inner first tube 162 extends over the entire length of the probe shaft 102 and is attached to a larger outer second tube 164 inside the handle 120. As discussed above, such a configuration provides a flexible and non-compressible 10-15 mm vice neck that holds a sealed inner lumen for the discharge of cryogenic fluids.

[0070] The presence of the polymeric tube 166 at the distal end 104 of the probe shaft 102 unexpectedly significantly reduces the force required to position the planar member 142 flush with the flat surface. Specifically, the currently disclosed device may require less than 4 ounces of force to position the planar member 142 flat on the surface, and preferably less than about 2 ounces of force. By incorporating the aspects of the novel design disclosed herein, the bending position of the probe shaft 102 is shifted to a more proximal position on the device 100 such that the entire planar member 142 can rest on any flat surface on the sidewall of the nose. This enables the device 100 to accommodate a larger range of anatomical structures without the operator having to apply an inappropriately large force to the tissue, thereby establishing appropriate contact with the tissue. ​​

[0071] Further examples of exemplary devices are described below. Any of the examples described in this specification The features of any device or device component can also be used in other examples of the device or device component such as appropriate. In one example, the present disclosure provides a surgical probe configured for ablation, the surgical probe comprising a surgical probe shaft having an elongated structure with a distal end and a proximal end; an expandable structure attached to the distal end of the probe shaft, the expandable structure having a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration; a member attached to the distal end so as not to be attached inside the expandable structure and extending within the expandable structure, the member defining a flat shape sized to contact and be disposed adjacent to the nasal side wall in the immediate vicinity of the posterior nasal nerve; and a lumen in fluid communication with the interior of the expandable structure.

[0072] Device 100 may be configured as a simple mechanical device without electronic components as shown. Alternatively, device 100 may be configured to have at least one electronic function. In one example, a temperature sensor may be disposed in the vicinity of end effector 122. By way of example, FIGS. 12A-12D show device 100 shown in FIGS. 2-11, including temperature sensors 1268 at various locations. Generally, temperature sensor 1268 can measure temperature and generate a signal indicative of the temperature. In some examples, device 100 can be configured to perform one or more operations based on the temperature sensed by temperature sensor 1268.

[0073] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​In FIG. 12A, the temperature sensor 1268 is located outside the probe shaft 102 and proximal to the end effector 122. In one example, the temperature sensor 1268 located outside the probe shaft 102 and proximal to the end effector 112 can assist in determining whether cryogenic cooling has spread outside the desired target area. For example, if the temperature sensor 1268 senses a temperature below a threshold temperature, it may be indicated that the device 100 should stop supplying cryogenic fluid to the end effector 122. In some implementations, the temperature sensor 1268 and / or the controller can be configured to automatically stop supplying cryogenic fluid to the end effector 122 in response to the temperature sensor 1268 sensing that the temperature is below the threshold temperature. In one example, the temperature sensor 1268 located outside the probe shaft 102 and proximal to the end effector 112 can assist in determining whether cryogenic cooling has spread outside the desired target area. In one example, the temperature sensor 1268 located outside the probe shaft 102 and proximal to the end effector 112 can assist in determining whether cryogenic cooling has spread outside the desired target area. In one example, the temperature sensor 1268 located outside the probe shaft 102 and proximal to the end effector 112 can assist in determining whether cryogenic cooling has spread outside the desired target area. In one example, the temperature sensor 1268 located outside the probe shaft 102 and proximal to the end effector 112 can assist in determining whether cryogenic cooling has spread outside the desired target area. For example, if the temperature sensor 1268 senses a temperature below a threshold temperature, it may be indicated that the device 100 should stop supplying cryogenic fluid to the end effector 122. In some implementations, the temperature sensor 1268 and / or the controller can be configured to automatically stop supplying cryogenic fluid to the end effector 122 in response to the temperature sensor 1268 sensing that the temperature is below the threshold temperature. In some implementations, the temperature sensor 1268 and / or the controller can be configured to automatically stop supplying cryogenic fluid to the end effector 122 in response to the temperature sensor 1268 sensing that the temperature is below the threshold temperature. In some implementations, the temperature sensor 1268 and / or the controller can be configured to automatically stop supplying cryogenic fluid to the end effector 122 in response to the temperature sensor 1268 sensing that the temperature is below the threshold temperature.

[0074] In FIG. 12B, the temperature sensor 1268 is located inside the probe shaft 102 and proximal to the end effector 112. In one example, the temperature sensor 1268 located inside the probe shaft 102 and proximal to the end effector 112 can sense a temperature that can indicate whether the cryogenic fluid has been sufficiently converted from the liquid phase to the gas phase. For example, the temperature sensor 1268 and / or the controller, in response to the temperature sensor 1268 determining that the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 1268 is below a threshold temperature, can determine that the cryogenic fluid has not been sufficiently converted from the liquid to the gas phase and that the cryogenic fluid is flowing as a liquid from the end effector 122 to the handle 120. As an example, the threshold temperature can be about minus 88 degrees Celsius. In one example, the temperature sensor 1268 located inside the probe shaft 102 and proximal to the end effector 112 can sense a temperature that can indicate whether the cryogenic fluid has been sufficiently converted from the liquid phase to the gas phase. In one example, the temperature sensor 1268 located inside the probe shaft 102 and proximal to the end effector 112 can sense a temperature that can indicate whether the cryogenic fluid has been sufficiently converted from the liquid phase to the gas phase. In one example, the temperature sensor 1268 located inside the probe shaft 102 and proximal to the end effector 112 can sense a temperature that can indicate whether the cryogenic fluid has been sufficiently converted from the liquid phase to the gas phase. In one example, the temperature sensor 1268 located inside the probe shaft 102 and proximal to the end effector 112 can sense a temperature that can indicate whether the cryogenic fluid has been sufficiently converted from the liquid phase to the gas phase. For example, the temperature sensor 1268 and / or the controller, in response to the temperature sensor 1268 determining that the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 1268 is below a threshold temperature, can determine that the cryogenic fluid has not been sufficiently converted from the liquid to the gas phase and that the cryogenic fluid is flowing as a liquid from the end effector 122 to the handle 120. For example, the temperature sensor 1268 and / or the controller, in response to the temperature sensor 1268 determining that the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 1268 is below a threshold temperature, can determine that the cryogenic fluid has not been sufficiently converted from the liquid to the gas phase and that the cryogenic fluid is flowing as a liquid from the end effector 122 to the handle 120. For example, the temperature sensor 1268 and / or the controller, in response to the temperature sensor 1268 determining that the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 1268 is below a threshold temperature, can determine that the cryogenic fluid has not been sufficiently converted from the liquid to the gas phase and that the cryogenic fluid is flowing as a liquid from the end effector 122 to the handle 120. As an example, the threshold temperature can be about minus 88 degrees Celsius.

[0075] In FIG. 12C, the temperature sensor 1268 is located in the internal space of the extensible structure 144 of the end effector 122. More specifically, in FIG. 12C, the planar member 142 is a thermocouple that provides both the structural function and the temperature sensing function described above. Similar to the temperature sensor 1268 located inside the probe shaft 102, the temperature sensor 1268 located in the internal space of the extensible structure 144 of the end effector 122 can help determine whether the cryogenic fluid has been sufficiently converted from a liquid to a gas. For example, the temperature sensor 1268 and / or the controller, in response to the temperature sensor 1268 determining that the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 1268 is below a threshold temperature, can determine that the cryogenic fluid has not been sufficiently converted from a liquid to a gas and that the cryogenic fluid is flowing as a liquid from the end effector 122 to the handle 120. As an example, the threshold temperature can be about minus 88 degrees Celsius.

[0076] In FIG. 12D, the temperature sensor 1268 is located on the outer surface of the extensible structure 144 of the end effector 122 (e.g., the treatment side of the end effector 122 that comes into contact with the target tissue during the treatment procedure). In one example, the temperature sensor 1268 located on the outer surface of the extensible structure 144 can measure the temperature indicating the effectiveness of the treatment procedure. For example, the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 1268 can indicate when the target tissue has reached the desired temperature. In some implementations, the device 100 includes one or more components configured to provide a feedback loop for controlling the supply of the cryogenic fluid to the end effector 122 based on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 1268. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​can include a plurality. FIGS. 12A - 12D show a single temperature sensor 1268 at different positions on device 100, but device 100 can include one or more temperature sensors 1268 at one or more of the positions shown in FIGS. 12A - 12D. Thus, device 100 can have a plurality of temperature sensors 1268 at a plurality of positions including the illustrated positions and the positions described above with respect to FIGS. 12A - 12D. As described above, in some examples of device 100 shown in FIGS. 12A - 12D, the temperature sensor 1268 can be used to measure, display, and / or control the temperature of the surgical target.

[0077] For example, in one implementation, the temperature sensor 1268 can be configured to sense the temperature of the cryogenic fluid that evaporates within the end effector 122. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor 1268 can be configured to sense the temperature of the tissue of the surgical target. The trigger 124 can optionally also include a servo mechanism that is configured to respond to the sensed temperature to adjust the flow of the cryogenic fluid to control a desired surgical parameter. Specifically, device 100 can be configured to automatically adjust the flow rate of the cryogenic fluid in response to one or more of the parameters of the temperature of the evaporator, the pressure of the evaporator, the temperature of the tissue, the temperature of the exhaust of the evaporator, or the elapsed time of the flow of the cryogenic fluid. The flow rate can be adjusted in a seamless analog manner and / or by alternating on / off flow rate adjustments. In addition to temperature sensing capabilities, device 100 can have a camera and / or a light source on the probe shaft

[0078]

[0079] ​​​​​​​​​​It may be configured to be disposed near the distal end 104 of the probe 102. The camera and / or a light source may be used, for example, to identify landmarks of the nasal anatomical structure, for guiding the placement of the end effector 122 on the nasal side wall for ablation of the function of the posterior nasal nerve. FIG. 13 shows a device 100 including a camera 1370 and a light source 1372 according to one example.

[0080] An ultrasonic or optical Doppler flow sensor may also be disposed near the distal end 104 of the probe shaft 102 and may be used, for example, as a means for locating the posterior nasal nerve and for locating arteries associated with the posterior nasal nerve. In such an example, the Doppler flow sensor includes an ultrasonic detector. In another such example, the Doppler flow sensor includes an optical detector. In one example, the arteries associated with at least one nasal nerve include arteries from the sphenopalatine branch. FIG. 14 shows a device 100 including one or more Doppler flow sensors 1474A-1474D according to one example. Specifically, the Doppler flow sensor 1474A and the Doppler flow sensor 1474B are located in the distal portion 112 of the probe shaft 102, the Doppler flow sensor 1474C is located in the proximal portion 118 of the probe shaft 102, and the Doppler flow sensor 1474D is located in the end effector 122.

[0081] FIG. 14 shows a device 100 having four Doppler flow sensors 1474A-1474D, but in other examples, the device 100 can have fewer or more Doppler flow sensors 1474A-1474D. In addition, FIG. 14 shows the device Doppler flow sensors 1474A to 1474D at a specific position of 100 are shown, but the vice 100 may include one or more Doppler flow sensors 1474A to 1474D at one or more alternative positions according to other examples.

[0082] Furthermore, one or more electrodes may be disposed near the distal end 104 of the probe shaft 102. The electrodes may be used to electrically stimulate or electrically block the function of the target posterior nasal nerve, and the ablation is confirmed by using the physiological response observed for the stimulation or blocking to confirm the accurate surgical positioning of the end effector 122 before ablation and / or to determine the change in the physiological response before and after ablation. Figure 15 shows a device 100 including one or more electrodes 1576A to 1576D according to one example. Specifically, electrode 1576A and electrode 1576B are located in the distal portion 112 of the probe shaft 102, electrode 1576C is located in the proximal portion 118 of the probe shaft 102, and electrode 1576D is located in the end effector 122.

[0083] Figure 15 shows a device 100 having four electrodes 1576A to 1576D, but the device 100 may have fewer or more electrodes 1576A to 1576D in other examples. In addition, Figure 15 shows electrodes 1576A to 1576D at a specific position of the device 100, but the device 100 may include one or more electrodes 1576A to 1576D at one or more alternative positions according to other examples.

[0084] Any number of temperature sensing, endoscopic devices, servo-controlled cryogenic fluid control valves, ultra sonic or optical Doppler flow detection, and / or electrical nerve stimulation and blocking mechanisms may optionally be incorporated into the devices described herein.

[0085] During use, such a surgical probe advances the distal end of the surgical probe shaft through the nasal cavity to the immediate vicinity of the tissue region having the nasal nerve, and an expandable structure expands from a contracted configuration to an expanded configuration with respect to the tissue region, introducing cryogenic fluid into the expandable structure attached to the distal end of the probe shaft, positioning a member with respect to the tissue region, the member being attached to the distal end of the probe shaft so that the member is not attached inside the expandable structure, extending through the expandable structure, and the member defining a flat shape sized to be disposed with respect to the tissue region in the immediate vicinity of the nasal nerve. Positioning the member and generally maintaining the member with respect to the tissue region until the nasal nerve is ablated at cryogenic temperatures may be used to treat a tissue region within the nasal cavity.

[0086] Another example of the present disclosure is a cryosurgical probe device for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end and a probe shaft with a spatula-shaped cryoablation element mounted in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft, the handle being configured to house a cryogenic fluid source and control the flow of cryogenic fluid to the cryoablation element, and the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the cryoablation element being configured for cryoablation of the nasal mucosa including the nasal nerve by the methods disclosed herein. ​

[0087] Another example of the present disclosure is a cryosurgical probe device for ablation of the nasal mucosa, comprising a handle at the proximal end and a probe shaft with a bullet-shaped cryoablation element attached in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft. The handle is configured to house a cryogenic fluid source and control the flow of cryogenic fluid to the cryoablation element. The geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the cryoablation element are configured for cryoablation of the nasal mucosa by the method disclosed herein. Another example of the present disclosure is a cryosurgical probe device for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end and a probe shaft with a bullet-shaped cryoablation element attached in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft. The handle is configured to house a cryogenic fluid source and control the flow of cryogenic fluid to the cryoablation element. The probe shaft is configured to have a deflectable distal segment that can be operated by the user. The geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the cryoablation element are configured for cryoablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein. Another example of the present disclosure is a cryosurgical probe device for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end and a probe shaft with a cylindrical cryoablation element attached in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft. The handle is configured to house a cryogenic fluid source and control the flow of cryogenic fluid to the cryoablation element. Another example of the present disclosure is a cryosurgical probe device for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end and a probe shaft with a cylindrical cryoablation element attached in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft. The handle is configured to house a cryogenic fluid source and control the flow of cryogenic fluid to the cryoablation element. Another example of the present disclosure is a cryosurgical probe device for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end and a probe shaft with a cylindrical cryoablation element attached in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft. The handle is configured to house a cryogenic fluid source and control the flow of cryogenic fluid to the cryoablation element. Another example of the present disclosure is a cryosurgical probe device for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end and a probe shaft with a cylindrical cryoablation element attached in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft. The handle is configured to house a cryogenic fluid source and control the flow of cryogenic fluid to the cryoablation element.

[0088] Another example of the present disclosure is a cryosurgical probe device for ablation of the nasal mucosa, comprising a handle at the proximal end and a probe shaft with a bullet-shaped cryoablation element attached in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft. Another example of the present disclosure is a cryosurgical probe device for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end and a probe shaft with a bullet-shaped cryoablation element attached in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft. Another example of the present disclosure is a cryosurgical probe device for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end and a probe shaft with a bullet-shaped cryoablation element attached in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft. The handle is configured to house a cryogenic fluid source and control the flow of cryogenic fluid to the cryoablation element. Another example of the present disclosure is a cryosurgical probe device for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end and a probe shaft with a bullet-shaped cryoablation element attached in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft. The handle is configured to house a cryogenic fluid source and control the flow of cryogenic fluid to the cryoablation element. Another example of the present disclosure is a cryosurgical probe device for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end and a probe shaft with a bullet-shaped cryoablation element attached in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft. The handle is configured to house a cryogenic fluid source and control the flow of cryogenic fluid to the cryoablation element. The probe shaft is configured to have a deflectable distal segment that can be operated by the user. Another example of the present disclosure is a cryosurgical probe device for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end and a probe shaft with a bullet-shaped cryoablation element attached in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft. The handle is configured to house a cryogenic fluid source and control the flow of cryogenic fluid to the cryoablation element. The probe shaft is configured to have a deflectable distal segment that can be operated by the user. The geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the cryoablation element are configured for cryoablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein. Another example of the present disclosure is a cryosurgical probe device for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end and a probe shaft with a bullet-shaped cryoablation element attached in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft. The handle is configured to house a cryogenic fluid source and control the flow of cryogenic fluid to the cryoablation element. The probe shaft is configured to have a deflectable distal segment that can be operated by the user. The geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the cryoablation element are configured for cryoablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein.

[0089] Another example of the present disclosure is a cryosurgical probe device for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end and a probe shaft with a cylindrical cryoablation element attached in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft. Another example of the present disclosure is a cryosurgical probe device for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end and a probe shaft with a cylindrical cryoablation element attached in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft. Another example of the present disclosure is a cryosurgical probe device for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end and a probe shaft with a cylindrical cryoablation element attached in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft. The handle is configured to house a cryogenic fluid source and control the flow of cryogenic fluid to the cryoablation element. Another example of the present disclosure is a cryosurgical probe device for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end and a probe shaft with a cylindrical cryoablation element attached in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft. The handle is configured to house a cryogenic fluid source and control the flow of cryogenic fluid to the cryoablation element. The rationing element includes a cryoablation element segmented linearly, and the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the cryoablation element are configured for cryoablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein.

[0090] Another example of the present disclosure is a cryosurgical probe device for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end and a probe shaft with a cylindrical cryoablation element attached near the distal end of the shaft, wherein the handle is configured to house a cryogenic fluid source and control the flow of cryogenic fluid to the cryoablation element, and the cryoablation element includes a semicircular cryoablation element, and the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the cryoablation element are configured for cryoablation of the target tissue including

[0091] Another example of the present disclosure is a cryosurgical probe device for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end and a probe shaft with a cylindrical cryoablation element attached near the distal end of the shaft, wherein the handle is configured to house a cryogenic fluid source and control the flow of cryogenic fluid to the cryoablation element, and the cryoablation element includes a spiral cryoablation element, and the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the cryoablation element are configured for cryoablation of the target nasal tissue including

[0092] Another example of the present disclosure is a proximal end and a cryoablation element A probe shaft with a balloon attached thereto, for cryosurgical ablation of the nasal nerve A cryosurgical probe device, the proximal end of which is configured to receive cryogenic fluid from a cryogenic fluid source, the cryogenic fluid source comprising means for controlling the flow of cryogenic fluid to a cryoablation element, and the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the cryoablation element being configured for cryoablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein. configured to receive cryogenic fluid from a cryogenic fluid source, the cryogenic fluid source comprising means for controlling the flow of cryogenic fluid to a cryoablation element, and the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the cryoablation element being configured for cryoablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein. configured to receive cryogenic fluid from a cryogenic fluid source, the cryogenic fluid source comprising means for controlling the flow of cryogenic fluid to a cryoablation element, and the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the cryoablation element being configured for cryoablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein. configured to receive cryogenic fluid from a cryogenic fluid source, the cryogenic fluid source comprising means for controlling the flow of cryogenic fluid to a cryoablation element, and the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the cryoablation element being configured for cryoablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein. configured to receive cryogenic fluid from a cryogenic fluid source, the cryogenic fluid source comprising means for controlling the flow of cryogenic fluid to a cryoablation element, and the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the cryoablation element being configured for cryoablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein.

[0093] Another example of the present disclosure is a cryosurgical probe device for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end and a probe shaft with a cylindrical cryoablation element having a balloon attached thereto in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft, the handle being configured to house a cryogenic fluid source and control the flow of cryogenic fluid to the cryoablation element, and the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the cryoablation element being configured for cryoablation of the target nasal tissue including the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein. configured to receive cryogenic fluid from a cryogenic fluid source, the cryogenic fluid source comprising means for controlling the flow of cryogenic fluid to a cryoablation element, and the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the cryoablation element being configured for cryoablation of the target nasal tissue including the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein. configured to receive cryogenic fluid from a cryogenic fluid source, the cryogenic fluid source comprising means for controlling the flow of cryogenic fluid to a cryoablation element, and the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the cryoablation element being configured for cryoablation of the target nasal tissue including the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein. configured to receive cryogenic fluid from a cryogenic fluid source, the cryogenic fluid source comprising means for controlling the flow of cryogenic fluid to a cryoablation element, and the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the cryoablation element being configured for cryoablation of the target nasal tissue including the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein. configured to receive cryogenic fluid from a cryogenic fluid source, the cryogenic fluid source comprising means for controlling the flow of cryogenic fluid to a cryoablation element, and the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the cryoablation element being configured for cryoablation of the target nasal tissue including the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein. configured to receive cryogenic fluid from a cryogenic fluid source, the cryogenic fluid source comprising means for controlling the flow of cryogenic fluid to a cryoablation element, and the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the cryoablation element being configured for cryoablation of the target nasal tissue including the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein. configured to receive cryogenic fluid from a cryogenic fluid source, the cryogenic fluid source comprising means for controlling the flow of cryogenic fluid to a cryoablation element, and the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the cryoablation element being configured for cryoablation of the target nasal tissue including the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein.

[0094] Another example of the present disclosure is a cryosurgical probe device for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end and a probe shaft with a cylindrical cryoablation element having a balloon with two lateral chambers attached thereto in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft, the handle being configured to house a cryogenic fluid source and control the flow of cryogenic fluid to the cryoablation element, one chamber of the balloon being configured as an expansion chamber for cryogenic fluid and the second chamber being configured as a thermal insulation chamber. configured to receive cryogenic fluid from a cryogenic fluid source, the cryogenic fluid source comprising means for controlling the flow of cryogenic fluid to a cryoablation element, and the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the cryoablation element being configured for cryoablation of the target nasal tissue including the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein. configured to receive cryogenic fluid from a cryogenic fluid source, the cryogenic fluid source comprising means for controlling the flow of cryogenic fluid to a cryoablation element, and the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the cryoablation element being configured for cryoablation of the target nasal tissue including the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein. configured to receive cryogenic fluid from a cryogenic fluid source, the cryogenic fluid source comprising means for controlling the flow of cryogenic fluid to a cryoablation element, and the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the cryoablation element being configured for cryoablation of the target nasal tissue including the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein. configured to receive cryogenic fluid from a cryogenic fluid source, the cryogenic fluid source comprising means for controlling the flow of cryogenic fluid to a cryoablation element, and the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the cryoablation element being configured for cryoablation of the target nasal tissue including the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein. configured to receive cryogenic fluid from a cryogenic fluid source, the cryogenic fluid source comprising means for controlling the flow of cryogenic fluid to a cryoablation element, and the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the cryoablation element being configured for cryoablation of the target nasal tissue including the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein. The geometric parameters of the obturator shaft and the cryoablation element are within this specification configured for cryoablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein.

[0095] Another example of the present disclosure is a probe shaft having a handle at the proximal end and an "I"-shaped cryo ablation element with a balloon attached in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft A cryosurgical probe device for ablation of the nasal nerve, the handle being configured to house a cryogenic fluid source and control the flow of cryogenic fluid to the cryoablation element, and the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the cryoablation element are configured for cryoablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein. configured for cryoablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein.

[0096] Another example of the present disclosure is a probe shaft having a handle at the proximal end and a "J"-shaped cryo ablation element with a balloon attached in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft A cryosurgical probe device for ablation of the nasal nerve, the handle being configured to house a cryogenic fluid source and control the flow of cryogenic fluid to the cryoablation element, and the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the cryoablation element are configured for cryoablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein. configured for cryoablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein.

[0097] Another example of the present disclosure is a probe shaft having a handle at the proximal end and a cryoablation element attached in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft A cryosurgical probe device for ablation of the nasal nerve, the handle being configured to house a cryogenic fluid source and control the cryoab lation of the nasal nerve, and the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the cryoablation element are configured to control the flow of cryogenic fluid to the ablation element and for cryoablation suction means associated with the cryoablation element are configured to stabilize the position of the cryoablation element relative to the target tissue, and the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the cryoablation element are configured for cryoablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein.

[0098] One aspect of the present disclosure is a method for cryosurgical ablation of the nasal nerve, including placing a film of oil or gel on the surface of the cryoablation element, then pressing the cryoablation element against the side wall of the nasal cavity adjacent to the nasal nerve, then ablating the nasal nerve using the cryoablation element, and the oil or gel preventing the frozen nasal tissue from sticking to the cryoablation element.

[0099] Another aspect of the present disclosure is an electrosurgical probe device for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end, a probe shaft with a radiofrequency (RF) ablation element having at least one RF electrode mounted in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft, and an electrical connector in the vicinity of the handle configured to connect the RF ablation element to a high-frequency energy source, wherein the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the RF ablation element are configured for RF ablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein.

[0100] Another example of the present disclosure is a radiofrequency (RF) probe having a handle at the proximal end and at least one RF electrode. ​​​​​​​​​​​​A probe shaft with an ablation element mounted near the distal end of the shaft, and an electric connector disposed near a handle configured to connect the ablation element to a high-frequency energy source, and a fluid connector disposed near a handle that connects at least one fluid port associated with the RF ablation element to a compressed fluid source. An electrosurgical probe device for ablation of the nasal nerve, wherein the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the RF ablation element are configured for RF ablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein. A probe shaft with an ablation element mounted near the distal end of the shaft, and an electric connector disposed near a handle configured to connect the ablation element to a high-frequency energy source. A fluid connector disposed near a handle that connects at least one fluid port associated with the RF ablation element to a compressed fluid source. An electrosurgical probe device for ablation of the nasal nerve, wherein the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the RF ablation element are configured for RF ablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein. A probe shaft with an ablation element mounted near the distal end of the shaft, and an electric connector disposed near a handle configured to connect the ablation element to a high-frequency energy source. A fluid connector disposed near a handle that connects at least one fluid port associated with the RF ablation element to a compressed fluid source. An electrosurgical probe device for ablation of the nasal nerve, wherein the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the RF ablation element are configured for RF ablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein. A probe shaft with an ablation element mounted near the distal end of the shaft, and an electric connector disposed near a handle configured to connect the ablation element to a high-frequency energy source. A fluid connector disposed near a handle that connects at least one fluid port associated with the RF ablation element to a compressed fluid source. An electrosurgical probe device for ablation of the nasal nerve, wherein the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the RF ablation element are configured for RF ablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein.

[0101] Another example of the present disclosure is an electrosurgical probe device for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end, a probe shaft with an RF ablation element having at least one RF electrode mounted near the distal end of the shaft, and an electrical connector disposed near the handle configured to connect the RF ablation element to a high-frequency energy source, wherein the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the RF ablation element are configured for RF ablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein. A probe shaft with an RF ablation element having at least one RF electrode mounted near the distal end of the shaft, and an electrical connector disposed near the handle configured to connect the RF ablation element to a high-frequency energy source. Another example of the present disclosure is an electrosurgical probe device for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end, a probe shaft with an RF ablation element having at least one RF electrode mounted near the distal end of the shaft, and an electrical connector disposed near the handle configured to connect the RF ablation element to a high-frequency energy source, wherein the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the RF ablation element are configured for RF ablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein. A probe shaft with an RF ablation element having at least one RF electrode mounted near the distal end of the shaft, and an electrical connector disposed near the handle configured to connect the RF ablation element to a high-frequency energy source. Another example of the present disclosure is an electrosurgical probe device for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end, a probe shaft with an RF ablation element having at least one RF electrode mounted near the distal end of the shaft, and an electrical connector disposed near the handle configured to connect the RF ablation element to a high-frequency energy source, wherein the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the RF ablation element are configured for RF ablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein. A probe shaft with an RF ablation element having at least one RF electrode mounted near the distal end of the shaft, and an electrical connector disposed near the handle configured to connect the RF ablation element to a high-frequency energy source. Another example of the present disclosure is an electrosurgical probe device for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end, a probe shaft with an RF ablation element having at least one RF electrode mounted near the distal end of the shaft, and an electrical connector disposed near the handle configured to connect the RF ablation element to a high-frequency energy source, wherein the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the RF ablation element are configured for RF ablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein.

[0102] Another example of the present disclosure is an electrosurgical probe device for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end, a probe shaft with an RF ablation element having at least one RF electrode mounted near the distal end of the shaft, and an electrical connector disposed near the handle configured to connect the RF ablation element to a high-frequency energy source, wherein the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the RF ablation element are configured for RF ablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein. A probe shaft with an RF ablation element having at least one RF electrode mounted near the distal end of the shaft, and an electrical connector disposed near the handle configured to connect the RF ablation element to a high-frequency energy source. Another example of the present disclosure is an electrosurgical probe device for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end, a probe shaft with an RF ablation element having at least one RF electrode mounted near the distal end of the shaft, and an electrical connector disposed near the handle configured to connect the RF ablation element to a high-frequency energy source, wherein the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the RF ablation element are configured for RF ablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein. A probe shaft with an RF ablation element having at least one RF electrode mounted near the distal end of the shaft, and an electrical connector disposed near the handle configured to connect the RF ablation element to a high-frequency energy source. An apparatus, wherein the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the RF ablation element are , configured for RF ablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein, and the RF ablation element comprises a bipolar electrosurgical configuration with two or more electrodes.

[0103] Another example of the present disclosure is an electrosurgical probe for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end, a probe shaft with an RF ablation element having at least one RF electrode mounted in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft, and an electrical connector disposed in the vicinity of the handle configured to connect the RF ablation element to a high-frequency energy source, wherein the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the RF ablation element are , configured for RF ablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein, and the RF ablation element is disposed in a cylindrical, "J", "U", or "T" shaped configuration in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft. An apparatus, wherein the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the RF ablation element are , configured for RF ablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein, and the RF ablation element is configured to be in a lateral or radial arrangement.

[0104] Another example of the present disclosure is an electrosurgical probe for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end, a probe shaft with an RF ablation element having at least one RF electrode mounted in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft, and an electrical connector disposed in the vicinity of the handle configured to connect the RF ablation element to a high-frequency energy source, wherein the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the RF ablation element are , configured for RF ablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein, and the RF ablation element is disposed in a cylindrical, "J", "U", or "T" shaped configuration in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft. An apparatus, wherein the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the RF ablation element are , configured for RF ablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein, and the RF ablation element is configured to be in a lateral or radial arrangement.

[0105] Another example of the present disclosure is an electrosurgical probe for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end, a probe shaft with an RF ablation element mounted in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft, and an electrical connector disposed in the vicinity of the handle configured to connect the RF ablation element to a high-frequency energy source, wherein the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the RF ablation element are configured for RF ablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein, and the RF ablation element includes a circular array dome-shaped electrode disposed on a flat electrical insulating surface, and the dome-shaped electrode is optionally associated with a fluid flushing port. Another example of the present disclosure is an electrosurgical probe for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end, a probe shaft with an RF ablation element mounted in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft, and an electrical connector disposed in the vicinity of the handle configured to connect the RF ablation element to a high-frequency energy source, wherein the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the RF ablation element are configured for RF ablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein, and the RF ablation element includes a circular array dome-shaped electrode disposed on a flat electrical insulating surface, and the dome-shaped electrode is optionally associated with a fluid flushing port. Another example of the present disclosure is an electrosurgical probe for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end, a probe shaft with an RF ablation element mounted in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft, and an electrical connector disposed in the vicinity of the handle configured to connect the RF ablation element to a high-frequency energy source, wherein the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the RF ablation element are configured for RF ablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein, and the RF ablation element includes a circular array dome-shaped electrode disposed on a flat electrical insulating surface, and the dome-shaped electrode is optionally associated with a fluid flushing port. Another example of the present disclosure is an electrosurgical probe for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end, a probe shaft with an RF ablation element mounted in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft, and an electrical connector disposed in the vicinity of the handle configured to connect the RF ablation element to a high-frequency energy source, wherein the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the RF ablation element are configured for RF ablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein, and the RF ablation element includes a circular array dome-shaped electrode disposed on a flat electrical insulating surface, and the dome-shaped electrode is optionally associated with a fluid flushing port. Another example of the present disclosure is an electrosurgical probe for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end, a probe shaft with an RF ablation element mounted in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft, and an electrical connector disposed in the vicinity of the handle configured to connect the RF ablation element to a high-frequency energy source, wherein the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the RF ablation element are configured for RF ablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein, and the RF ablation element includes a circular array dome-shaped electrode disposed on a flat electrical insulating surface, and the dome-shaped electrode is optionally associated with a fluid flushing port. Another example of the present disclosure is an electrosurgical probe for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end, a probe shaft with an RF ablation element mounted in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft, and an electrical connector disposed in the vicinity of the handle configured to connect the RF ablation element to a high-frequency energy source, wherein the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the RF ablation element are configured for RF ablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein, and the RF ablation element includes a circular array dome-shaped electrode disposed on a flat electrical insulating surface, and the dome-shaped electrode is optionally associated with a fluid flushing port. Another example of the present disclosure is an electrosurgical probe for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end, a probe shaft with an RF ablation element mounted in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft, and an electrical connector disposed in the vicinity of the handle configured to connect the RF ablation element to a high-frequency energy source, wherein the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the RF ablation element are configured for RF ablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein, and the RF ablation element includes a circular array dome-shaped electrode disposed on a flat electrical insulating surface, and the dome-shaped electrode is optionally associated with a fluid flushing port. Another example of the present disclosure is an electrosurgical probe for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end, a probe shaft with an RF ablation element mounted in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft, and an electrical connector disposed in the vicinity of the handle configured to connect the RF ablation element to a high-frequency energy source, wherein the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the RF ablation element are configured for RF ablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein, and the RF ablation element includes a circular array dome-shaped electrode disposed on a flat electrical insulating surface, and the dome-shaped electrode is optionally associated with a fluid flushing port.

[0106] Another example of the present disclosure is an electrosurgical probe for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end, a probe shaft with an RF ablation element mounted in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft, and an electrical connector disposed in the vicinity of the handle configured to connect the RF ablation element to a high-frequency energy source, wherein the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the RF ablation element are configured for RF ablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein, and the RF ablation element includes a circular array dome-shaped electrode disposed on a flat electrical insulating surface, and the dome-shaped electrode is optionally associated with a fluid flushing port. Another example of the present disclosure is an electrosurgical probe for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end, a probe shaft with an RF ablation element mounted in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft, and an electrical connector disposed in the vicinity of the handle configured to connect the RF ablation element to a high-frequency energy source, wherein the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the RF ablation element are configured for RF ablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein, and the RF ablation element includes a circular array dome-shaped electrode disposed on a flat electrical insulating surface, and the dome-shaped electrode is optionally associated with a fluid flushing port. Another example of the present disclosure is an electrosurgical probe for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end, a probe shaft with an RF ablation element mounted in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft, and an electrical connector disposed in the vicinity of the handle configured to connect the RF ablation element to a high-frequency energy source, wherein the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the RF ablation element are configured for RF ablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein, and the RF ablation element includes a circular array dome-shaped electrode disposed on a flat electrical insulating surface, and the dome-shaped electrode is optionally associated with a fluid flushing port. Another example of the present disclosure is an electrosurgical probe for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end, a probe shaft with an RF ablation element mounted in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft, and an electrical connector disposed in the vicinity of the handle configured to connect the RF ablation element to a high-frequency energy source, wherein the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the RF ablation element are configured for RF ablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein, and the RF ablation element includes a circular array dome-shaped electrode disposed on a flat electrical insulating surface, and the dome-shaped electrode is optionally associated with a fluid flushing port. Another example of the present disclosure is an electrosurgical probe for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end, a probe shaft with an RF ablation element mounted in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft, and an electrical connector disposed in the vicinity of the handle configured to connect the RF ablation element to a high-frequency energy source, wherein the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the RF ablation element are configured for RF ablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein, and the RF ablation element includes a circular array dome-shaped electrode disposed on a flat electrical insulating surface, and the dome-shaped electrode is optionally associated with a fluid flushing port. Another example of the present disclosure is an electrosurgical probe for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end, a probe shaft with an RF ablation element mounted in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft, and an electrical connector disposed in the vicinity of the handle configured to connect the RF ablation element to a high-frequency energy source, wherein the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the RF ablation element are configured for RF ablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein, and the RF ablation element includes a circular array dome-shaped electrode disposed on a flat electrical insulating surface, and the dome-shaped electrode is optionally associated with a fluid flushing port. Another example of the present disclosure is an electrosurgical probe for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end, a probe shaft with an RF ablation element mounted in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft, and an electrical connector disposed in the vicinity of the handle configured to connect the RF ablation element to a high-frequency energy source, wherein the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the RF ablation element are configured for RF ablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein, and the RF ablation element includes a linear array of dome-shaped electrodes disposed on a flat electrical insulating surface and a needle configured to inject a liquid into the submucosal space, and the dome-shaped electrodes are optionally associated with a fluid flushing port. Another example of the present disclosure is an electrosurgical probe for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end, a probe shaft with an RF ablation element mounted in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft, and an electrical connector disposed in the vicinity of the handle configured to connect the RF ablation element to a high-frequency energy source, wherein the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the RF ablation element are configured for RF ablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein, and the RF ablation element includes a linear array of dome-shaped electrodes disposed on a flat electrical insulating surface and a needle configured to inject a liquid into the submucosal space, and the dome-shaped electrodes are optionally associated with a fluid flushing port. Another example of the present disclosure is an electrosurgical probe for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end, a probe shaft with an RF ablation element mounted in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft, and an electrical connector disposed in the vicinity of the handle configured to connect the RF ablation element to a high-frequency energy source, wherein the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the RF ablation element are configured for RF ablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein, and the RF ablation element includes a linear array of dome-shaped electrodes disposed on a flat electrical insulating surface and a needle configured to inject a liquid into the submucosal space, and the dome-shaped electrodes are optionally associated with a fluid flushing port.

[0107] Another example of the present disclosure is an electrosurgical probe for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end, a probe shaft with an RF ablation element mounted in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft, and an electrical connector disposed in the vicinity of the handle configured to connect the RF ablation element to a high-frequency energy source, wherein the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the RF ablation element are configured for RF ablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein, and the RF ablation element includes a linear array of dome-shaped electrodes disposed on a flat electrical insulating surface and a needle configured to inject a liquid into the submucosal space, and the dome-shaped electrodes are optionally associated with a fluid flushing port. A probe shaft with an ablation element attached near the distal end of the shaft, and an electrical connector disposed near a handle configured to connect the ablation element to a high-frequency energy source, for an electrosurgical probe for ablation of the nasal nerve, wherein the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the RF ablation element are configured for RF ablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein, and the RF ablation element includes at least one needle configured for interstitial RF ablation. A further example of the present disclosure is an electrosurgical probe device for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end, a probe shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, an integrated circuit comprising an RF oscillator disposed near the handle, and an RF ablation element disposed near the distal end of the shaft, wherein the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the RF ablation element are configured for RF ablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein. A still further example of the present disclosure is an ultrasonic energy ablation probe device for ablation of the nasal nerve, comprising a handle at the proximal end, a probe shaft with an ultrasonic energy ablation element having at least one ultrasonic energy emitter attached near the distal end of the shaft, and an electrical connector near the handle configured to connect the ultrasonic energy emitter to an ultrasonic energy generator, wherein the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the ultrasonic energy emitter are configured for ultrasonic ablation of the nasal nerve by the method disclosed herein.

[0108]

[0109] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​configured for wave energy ablation.

[0110] Another example of the present disclosure includes a handle at the proximal end and at least one ultrasonic energy emitting element with an ultrasonic energy ablation element mounted in the vicinity of the distal end of the shaft, a probe shaft, an electrical connector near the handle configured to couple the ultrasonic energy emitter to an ultrasonic energy generator, at least one fluid connector near the handle, and at least one fluid passage communicating between the at least one fluid connector and the ultrasonic energy emitter configured to cool the ultrasonic energy emitter during ultrasonic energy emission. An ultrasonic energy emitting probe device for ablation of the nasal nerve, wherein the geometric parameters of the probe shaft and the ultrasonic energy emitter are configured for ultrasonic energy ablation of the nasal nerve by the methods disclosed herein.

[0111] A method of using any of the above devices is described herein. The posterior nasal nerve (PNN) includes nerves that emerge from the SPG and stimulate the nasal mucosa on the posterior side of the nasal cavity. Ablating those and other nerves in the nasal cavity leads to a reduction or interruption of parasympathetic signals that contribute to nasal congestion and rhinorrhea in (allergic or non-allergic) patients with chronic rhinitis. The devices and methods described herein are configured to be used to ablate one or more of those nasal nerves to reduce or eliminate rhinitis.

[0112] Generally, the devices described above may be used to ablate the nasal nerves in the nasal tissue region of a patient's nasal cavity. Treating the nasal tissue region within the nasal cavity in the immediate vicinity of at least one nerve ​​​​​​​​​​A method may include introducing a distal end of a probe shaft through the nasal cavity, the distal end having a low-profile first configuration shaped to manipulate tissue within the nasal cavity. The distal end may be positioned proximate to a tissue region having a nasal nerve. When appropriately positioned, the distal end may be reconfigured from the first configuration to a second configuration shaped to contact and follow along the tissue region. The distal end may then be used to ablate the nasal nerve within the tissue region using several different tissue treatment mechanisms as described herein, e.g., cryotherapy.

[0113] In a particular variant, when treating the tissue region, the distal end may be positioned proximate to a tissue region surrounded by the middle nasal concha, inferior nasal concha, and the lateral wall of the nasal cavity that forms a cul-de-sac and has a PNN. As a result, the distal end may be reconfigured to treat the tissue region.

[0114] As long as the distal end is configured to be disposed within a narrowed region of the nasal cavity, more particularly within a region of tissue surrounding the middle nasal concha, inferior nasal concha, nasal tissue lateral wall, and inferior nasal meatus, various configurations regarding the distal end may be utilized when treating the tissue

[0115] region. Other anatomical locations within the nasal cavity may alternatively or in addition be treatable with the configurations described herein. An example of a surgical probe configured to ablate a tissue region such as the nasal A structure including an expandable structure having a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The lumen may be defined through a shaft that is in fluid communication with the interior of the expandable structure. The member is attached at its distal end such that the member is not attached within the interior of the expandable structure and may extend within the expandable structure that surrounds the member. Further, the member may define a non-invasive shape configured to press against and manipulate a nasal tissue region through the expandable structure. Examples of utilizing such a structure in treating a tissue region generally include advancing the distal end of a surgical probe shaft in close proximity to a target nasal tissue region having a nasal nerve through the nasal cavity and introducing cryogenic fluid into an expandable structure attached to the distal end of the probe shaft such that the expandable structure expands from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration against the target nasal tissue region. The position of the member relative to the target nasal tissue region may be adjusted to a position where the member is attached at the distal end of the probe shaft and extends within the expandable structure that surrounds the member such that the member is not attached within the interior of the expandable structure. The operator may apply pressure to the distal end such that the member is pressed against the interior of the expandable structure and the expandable structure is pressed against the target nasal tissue region, and the member defines a non-invasive shape configured to press against and manipulate the target nasal tissue region. The member may be maintained against the interior of the expandable structure and the target nasal tissue region until the target nasal tissue region is ablated at cryogenic temperatures. Any of the ablation devices herein may ablate one nerve branch or a plurality of nerve branches.

[0116] Examples of using such a structure when treating a tissue region generally involve advancing the distal end of a surgical probe shaft close to the target nasal tissue region having a nasal nerve through the nasal cavity, and introducing cryogenic fluid into an expandable structure attached to the distal end of the probe shaft so that the expandable structure expands from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration against the target nasal tissue region.

[0117] The position of the member relative to the target nasal tissue region may be adjusted to a position where the member is attached to the distal end of the probe shaft and extends within the expandable structure that surrounds the member and does not attach the member inside the expandable structure. The operator may apply pressure to the distal end so that the member is pressed against the inside of the expandable structure and the expandable structure is pressed against the target nasal tissue region, and the member defines a non-invasive shape configured to press against and manipulate the target nasal tissue region. The member may be maintained against the inside of the expandable structure and the target nasal tissue region until the target nasal tissue region is ablated at cryogenic temperatures.

[0118] Any of the ablation devices in this specification can ablate one nerve branch or multiple nerve branches. It can be used for ablation.

[0119] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of treating rhinitis by ablating the nasal nerve. The method may include inserting the distal end of a surgical probe configured for cryoneurolysis into the patient's nostril. The surgical handpiece disposed at the proximal end of the probe shaft may include a cryogenic fluid reservoir as discussed above. The distal expandable structure may be positioned against the nasal side wall in the immediate vicinity of the target nasal nerve, and then the flow of cryogenic fluid to the expandable structure may be actuated for a time sufficient to cryoablate the target region in the nose including the target nasal nerve.

[0120] The method may further include targeting at least one additional posterior nasal nerve in the ipsilateral nasal cavity or the contralateral posterior nasal nerve.

[0121] The method may include controlling the flow of cryogenic fluid to the evaporation chamber based on one or more of at least one predetermined parameter, such as the flow rate of the cryogenic fluid, the elapsed time of the flow of the cryogenic fluid, the evaporation pressure of the cryogenic fluid, the evaporation temperature of the cryogenic fluid, the exhaust temperature of the cryogenic fluid, the visual determination of tissue freezing, the ultrasonic determination of tissue freezing, or the volume of the cryogenic fluid supplied by the cryogenic fluid reservoir.

[0122] The method may include determining the position of the target nasal nerve, and the determination may be an endoscopic determination based on landmarks of the nasal anatomical structure, electrical nerve stimulation of the target nasal nerve while observing the physiological response to stimulation, electrical nerve block while observing the physiological response to block, or For example, it may include one or more of the target setting techniques such as identification of arteries associated with the target nasal nerve using ultrasonic or optical Doppler flow technology. It may include one or more of the target setting techniques such as identification of arteries associated with the target nasal nerve using ultrasonic or optical Doppler flow technology.

[0123] Although the devices and methods currently disclosed have been mainly discussed in the context of cryotherapy, the devices, systems, and methods described in this specification may be applicable to other ablation and non - ablation surgical methods. For example, some examples may include devices, systems, and methods that utilize thermotherapy / hyperthermia. Examples that utilize thermotherapy / hyperthermia may have the same structure and steps as examples that use cryotherapy. Heat sources for use with thermotherapy may include RF energy, microwave energy, ultrasonic energy, resistive heating, exothermic chemical reactions, combinations thereof, and other heat sources known to those skilled in the art. Further, the present disclosure may be utilized as a stand - alone system or method, or as part of an integrated medical treatment system. It is to be understood that the various aspects of the present disclosure can be evaluated individually, collectively, or in combination with each other. Although the devices and methods currently disclosed have been mainly discussed in the context of cryotherapy, the devices, systems, and methods described in this specification may be applicable to other ablation and non - ablation surgical methods. For example, some examples may include devices, systems, and methods that utilize thermotherapy / hyperthermia. Examples that utilize thermotherapy / hyperthermia may have the same structure and steps as examples that use cryotherapy. Heat sources for use with thermotherapy may include RF energy, microwave energy, ultrasonic energy, resistive heating, exothermic chemical reactions, combinations thereof, and other heat sources known to those skilled in the art. Further, the present disclosure may be utilized as a stand - alone system or method, or as part of an integrated medical treatment system. It is to be understood that the various aspects of the present disclosure can be evaluated individually, collectively, or in combination with each other. Although the devices and methods currently disclosed have been mainly discussed in the context of cryotherapy, the devices, systems, and methods described in this specification may be applicable to other ablation and non - ablation surgical methods. For example, some examples may include devices, systems, and methods that utilize thermotherapy / hyperthermia. Examples that utilize thermotherapy / hyperthermia may have the same structure and steps as examples that use cryotherapy. Heat sources for use with thermotherapy may include RF energy, microwave energy, ultrasonic energy, resistive heating, exothermic chemical reactions, combinations thereof, and other heat sources known to those skilled in the art. Further, the present disclosure may be utilized as a stand - alone system or method, or as part of an integrated medical treatment system. It is to be understood that the various aspects of the present disclosure can be evaluated individually, collectively, or in combination with each other. Although the devices and methods currently disclosed have been mainly discussed in the context of cryotherapy, the devices, systems, and methods described in this specification may be applicable to other ablation and non - ablation surgical methods. For example, some examples may include devices, systems, and methods that utilize thermotherapy / hyperthermia. Examples that utilize thermotherapy / hyperthermia may have the same structure and steps as examples that use cryotherapy. Heat sources for use with thermotherapy may include RF energy, microwave energy, ultrasonic energy, resistive heating, exothermic chemical reactions, combinations thereof, and other heat sources known to those skilled in the art. Further, the present disclosure may be utilized as a stand - alone system or method, or as part of an integrated medical treatment system. It is to be understood that the various aspects of the present disclosure can be evaluated individually, collectively, or in combination with each other. Although the devices and methods currently disclosed have been mainly discussed in the context of cryotherapy, the devices, systems, and methods described in this specification may be applicable to other ablation and non - ablation surgical methods. For example, some examples may include devices, systems, and methods that utilize thermotherapy / hyperthermia. Examples that utilize thermotherapy / hyperthermia may have the same structure and steps as examples that use cryotherapy. Heat sources for use with thermotherapy may include RF energy, microwave energy, ultrasonic energy, resistive heating, exothermic chemical reactions, combinations thereof, and other heat sources known to those skilled in the art. Further, the present disclosure may be utilized as a stand - alone system or method, or as part of an integrated medical treatment system. It is to be understood that the various aspects of the present disclosure can be evaluated individually, collectively, or in combination with each other. Although the devices and methods currently disclosed have been mainly discussed in the context of cryotherapy, the devices, systems, and methods described in this specification may be applicable to other ablation and non - ablation surgical methods. For example, some examples may include devices, systems, and methods that utilize thermotherapy / hyperthermia. Examples that utilize thermotherapy / hyperthermia may have the same structure and steps as examples that use cryotherapy. Heat sources for use with thermotherapy may include RF energy, microwave energy, ultrasonic energy, resistive heating, exothermic chemical reactions, combinations thereof, and other heat sources known to those skilled in the art. Further, the present disclosure may be utilized as a stand - alone system or method, or as part of an integrated medical treatment system. It is to be understood that the various aspects of the present disclosure can be evaluated individually, collectively, or in combination with each other. Although the devices and methods currently disclosed have been mainly discussed in the context of cryotherapy, the devices, systems, and methods described in this specification may be applicable to other ablation and non - ablation surgical methods. For example, some examples may include devices, systems, and methods that utilize thermotherapy / hyperthermia. Examples that utilize thermotherapy / hyperthermia may have the same structure and steps as examples that use cryotherapy. Heat sources for use with thermotherapy may include RF energy, microwave energy, ultrasonic energy, resistive heating, exothermic chemical reactions, combinations thereof, and other heat sources known to those skilled in the art. Further, the present disclosure may be utilized as a stand - alone system or method, or as part of an integrated medical treatment system. It is to be understood that the various aspects of the present disclosure can be evaluated individually, collectively, or in combination with each other. Although the devices and methods currently disclosed have been mainly discussed in the context of cryotherapy, the devices, systems, and methods described in this specification may be applicable to other ablation and non - ablation surgical methods. For example, some examples may include devices, systems, and methods that utilize thermotherapy / hyperthermia. Examples that utilize thermotherapy / hyperthermia may have the same structure and steps as examples that use cryotherapy. Heat sources for use with thermotherapy may include RF energy, microwave energy, ultrasonic energy, resistive heating, exothermic chemical reactions, combinations thereof, and other heat sources known to those skilled in the art. Further, the present disclosure may be utilized as a stand - alone system or method, or as part of an integrated medical treatment system. It is to be understood that the various aspects of the present disclosure can be evaluated individually, collectively, or in combination with each other. Although the devices and methods currently disclosed have been mainly discussed in the context of cryotherapy, the devices, systems, and methods described in this specification may be applicable to other ablation and non - ablation surgical methods. For example, some examples may include devices, systems, and methods that utilize thermotherapy / hyperthermia. Examples that utilize thermotherapy / hyperthermia may have the same structure and steps as examples that use cryotherapy. Heat sources for use with thermotherapy may include RF energy, microwave energy, ultrasonic energy, resistive heating, exothermic chemical reactions, combinations thereof, and other heat sources known to those skilled in the art. Further, the present disclosure may be utilized as a stand - alone system or method, or as part of an integrated medical treatment system. It is to be understood that the various aspects of the present disclosure can be evaluated individually, collectively, or in combination with each other. Although the devices and methods currently disclosed have been mainly discussed in the context of cryotherapy, the devices, systems, and methods described in this specification may be applicable to other ablation and non - ablation surgical methods. For example, some examples may include devices, systems, and methods that utilize thermotherapy / hyperthermia. Examples that utilize thermotherapy / hyperthermia may have the same structure and steps as examples that use cryotherapy. Heat sources for use with thermotherapy may include RF energy, microwave energy, ultrasonic energy, resistive heating, exothermic chemical reactions, combinations thereof, and other heat sources known to those skilled in the art. Further, the present disclosure may be utilized as a stand - alone system or method, or as part of an integrated medical treatment system. It is to be understood that the various aspects of the present disclosure can be evaluated individually, collectively, or in combination with each other.

[0124] Furthermore, although the devices and methods currently disclosed have been mainly discussed in the context of ablation of at least one nasal nerve associated with the nasal side wall of a patient's nasal cavity, the treatment may also or alternatively be similarly applied to the septum, the upper surface of the nasal cavity, or other regions of the nasal cavity. Furthermore, although the devices and methods currently disclosed have been mainly discussed in the context of ablation of at least one nasal nerve associated with the nasal side wall of a patient's nasal cavity, the treatment may also or alternatively be similarly applied to the septum, the upper surface of the nasal cavity, or other regions of the nasal cavity. Furthermore, although the devices and methods currently disclosed have been mainly discussed in the context of ablation of at least one nasal nerve associated with the nasal side wall of a patient's nasal cavity, the treatment may also or alternatively be similarly applied to the septum, the upper surface of the nasal cavity, or other regions of the nasal cavity. Furthermore, although the devices and methods currently disclosed have been mainly discussed in the context of ablation of at least one nasal nerve associated with the nasal side wall of a patient's nasal cavity, the treatment may also or alternatively be similarly applied to the septum, the upper surface of the nasal cavity, or other regions of the nasal cavity.

[0125] The methods described in this specification may in fact be similarly applicable to any example or modification of the devices and systems described above, as well as to other examples and modifications not explicitly shown in this specification. The methods described in this specification may in fact be similarly applicable to any example or modification of the devices and systems described above, as well as to other examples and modifications not explicitly shown in this specification. It can be used in combination. Any feature of the devices or device components described in any of the examples in this specification can also be used in other suitable examples of devices or device components. Any feature of the devices or device components described in any of the examples in this specification can also be used in other suitable examples of devices or device components. It can be used.

[0126] It should be understood that the configurations described in this specification are for illustrative purposes only. Therefore, other configurations and other elements (e.g., machines, interfaces, functions, orders, groupings of functions, etc.) can be used instead, and some elements can be omitted entirely according to the desired results, which should be understood by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, many of the elements described can be implemented as functional entities in any suitable combination and position, either as individual or distributed components or in combination with other components, or other structural elements described as independent structures can be combined. Other configurations and other elements (e.g., machines, interfaces, functions, orders, groupings of functions, etc.) can be used instead, and some elements can be omitted entirely according to the desired results, which should be understood by those skilled in the art. It should be understood by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, many of the elements described can be implemented as functional entities in any suitable combination and position, either as individual or distributed components or in combination with other components, or other structural elements described as independent structures can be combined. Furthermore, many of the elements described can be implemented as functional entities in any suitable combination and position, either as individual or distributed components or in combination with other components, or other structural elements described as independent structures can be combined. In any suitable combination and position, either as individual or distributed components or in combination with other components, or other structural elements described as independent structures can be combined. It can be implemented as functional entities in any suitable combination and position, either as individual or distributed components or in combination with other components, or other structural elements described as independent structures can be combined. It can be combined.

[0127] Although various aspects and examples have been described in this specification, other aspects and examples will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and examples disclosed in this specification are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to be limiting. The true scope is shown by the following claims, together with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It should also be understood that the terms used in this specification are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. Although various aspects and examples have been described in this specification, other aspects and examples will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and examples disclosed in this specification are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to be limiting. The true scope is shown by the following claims, together with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The true scope is shown by the following claims, together with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The terms used in this specification are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. It should also be understood that the terms used in this specification are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting.

Claims

1. A probe shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the probe shaft the longitudinal axis of the portion is at a non-zero angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion of the probe shaft. and the flexibility of the proximal portion of the probe shaft is a probe shaft having a flexibility greater than the distal portion of the probe shaft; a housing coupled to the proximal end of the probe shaft; a handle coupled to the housing; an end effector coupled to the distal end of the probe shaft, The distal end of the probe shaft is advanced through the patient's nasal cavity and engages at least one nasal nerve. and defining an atraumatic surface when positioned proximate to a nasal tissue area, the atraumatic surface being adapted to contact said nasal tissue area. an end effector configured to transmit a lateral pressure to the a trigger positioned on the handle, the trigger actuating to move the end When the end effector is in contact with the nasal tissue region, The trigger for ablation of one nasal nerve is A device comprising:

2. The longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the probe shaft and the longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the probe shaft The non-zero angle between the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion is between about 15 degrees and about 25 degrees. The device of claim 1 .

3. The curved portion of the probe shaft is approximately 4 mm from the distal end of the end effector. 20 cm, and the curved portion of the probe shaft is positioned at the end The distal end of the effector is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion of the probe shaft.

3. The device of claim 1 or 2, which deflects laterally by about 1 cm.

4. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the proximal end of the probe shaft extends into the housing.

2. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

5. 10. The probe shaft of claim 1, wherein the probe shaft is rotatable 180 degrees with respect to the housing.

5. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The distal portion of the probe shaft includes a first material, 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the proximal portion comprises a second material that is different from the first material.

2. The device according to claim 1.

7. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the first material comprises a polymer and the second material comprises stainless steel. The device described.

8. The proximal portion of the probe shaft includes a first tube having a first diameter and a a second tube having a second diameter greater than the first diameter, the air gap being The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first tube and the second tube are separated. Devices listed.

9. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one nasal nerve comprises the posterior nasal nerve, a nasal branch of the vidian nerve.

9. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one nasal nerve comprises a parasympathetic nerve. Devices listed.

11. The end effector may be actuated using cryogenic fluids, RF energy, microwave energy, ultrasonic energy, or the like. The at least one heat source is heated using wave energy, resistive heating, an exothermic chemical reaction, or a combination thereof.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising ablating at least one nasal nerve.

2. The device according to claim 1.

12. a source of cryogenic fluid positioned at least partially in the handle; a lumen disposed in the probe shaft and in fluid communication with the cryogenic fluid source; The device of claim 1 , further comprising:

13. The height of the cryogenic fluid source is 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm relative to the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion of the probe shaft.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the device is less than about 2 cm above the

14. The cryogenic fluid source is at least partially removably positioned in the handle.

14. The device of claim 12 or 13, comprising a container in which the

15. The longitudinal axis of the cryogenic fluid source and the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion of the probe shaft The angle between the axis is between about 60 degrees and about 90 degrees, and preferably about 75 degrees. The device according to any one of claims 12 to 14.

16. The end effector includes: a planar member defining a flat shape disposed at the distal end of the probe shaft. a planar member having an elongated configuration with arcuate edges to define an atraumatic surface; an expandable structure surrounding the planar member and coupled to the distal end of the probe shaft; a structure expandable from a contracted configuration to an expanded configuration, the interior of the expandable structure comprising an expandable structure in fluid communication with the cryogenic fluid source; 16. The device according to claim 12, comprising:

17. The expandable structure is adapted to expand to a predetermined shape and size in the expanded configuration. wherein the predetermined shape and size corresponds to the shape and size of the nasal tissue area. The device of claim 16.

18. The expandable structure is adapted to evaporate the cryogenic fluid within the expandable structure.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the actuator is configured to transition from the contracted configuration to the expanded configuration. The device described in.

19. The planar member is secured to the nasal cavity by a stiff wire configured to manipulate tissue within the nasal cavity.

19. The device according to claim 16, further comprising an elongated loop structure formed by Vice.

20. 2. The expandable structure has an expanded diameter of between about 3 mm and 12 mm.

20. A device according to any one of claims 16 to 19.

21. The planar member is attached to the expandable structure such that it is not attached to the interior of the expandable structure.

21. The device of claim 16, wherein the device extends through a structure that is adaptable to a variety of conditions.

22. The device is adapted to apply pressure to the nasal cavity to relieve at least one symptom of rhinitis in the patient. and controllably freezing the at least one nasal nerve at a depth of less than 4 mm from the surface of the tissue area. The expandable temperature range is between -20 degrees Celsius and -90 degrees Celsius in less than 120 seconds.

22. The method according to claim 16, wherein the cooling means is configured to cool an outer surface of a structure. device.

23. A probe shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the probe shaft the longitudinal axis of the portion is at a non-zero angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion of the probe shaft. a distal portion of the probe shaft and a proximal portion of the probe shaft having a and the proximal portion of the probe shaft has a curved portion positioned between a first a first tube having a diameter of 1 mm and a second tube having a second diameter greater than the first diameter; an air gap separating the first tube from the second tube; a probe shaft; a housing coupled to the proximal end of the probe shaft; a handle coupled to the housing; an end effector coupled to the distal end of the probe shaft, The distal end of the probe shaft is advanced through the patient's nasal cavity and engages at least one nasal nerve. and defining an atraumatic surface when positioned proximate to a nasal tissue area, the atraumatic surface being adapted to contact said nasal tissue area. an end effector configured to transmit a lateral pressure to the a trigger positioned on the handle, the trigger actuating to move the end When the end effector is in contact with the nasal tissue region, The trigger for ablation of one nasal nerve is A device comprising:

24. 1. A method of treating a nasal tissue region of a nasal cavity of a patient, comprising: Introducing a distal end of a probe shaft through the nasal cavity, The distal end of the shaft is a low profile suction device configured to manipulate tissue within the nasal cavity. and the probe shaft has an end effector having a first configuration of The longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the shaft is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion of the probe shaft. a proximal portion of the probe shaft having a curved portion with a non-zero angle therebetween; the stiffness of the probe shaft is greater than the stiffness of the distal portion of the probe shaft. introducing a distal end of the catheter into the catheter; The end effector is moved from the first configuration so that the end effector moves toward the nasal tissue region. reconfiguring the first configuration to a second configuration shaped to contact and follow the contour of the first configuration; and applying pressure to at least one of the nasal tissue areas via the end effector until the rhinitis symptoms are alleviated. Ablation of one nasal nerve, A method comprising:

25. the at least one nasal nerve of the nasal tissue region is associated with the middle turbinate or the inferior turbinate; 25. The method of claim 24.

26. 25. The at least one nasal nerve includes the posterior nasal nerve of the nasal branch of the vidian nerve. Or the method described in 25.

27. 26. The method of claim 24 or 25, wherein the at least one nasal nerve comprises a parasympathetic nerve. 。

28. The distal end of the probe shaft is passed through the patient's nasal cavity proximate the sphenopalatine foramen.

28. The method of any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein the

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