Non-invasive inferior turbinate reduction device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a non-invasive inferior turbinate reduction device comprising: a tip; an electrode which is provided on the tip, and which applies or stops applying high-frequency current to the inferior turbinate; a high-frequency generation part for generating high-frequency current to be supplied to the electrode; an insulating layer coated with insulation on the surface of the tip, excluding the electrode; and a seating part provided on the tip such that the inferior turbinate is seated thereon.

Description

Noninvasive inferior turbinate reduction device

[0001] The present invention relates to a non-invasive inferior turbinate reduction device.

[0002] Inside the nose, there are three turbinates (nasal conchae), which function to maintain smooth airflow, temperature, humidity, etc. during normal breathing.

[0003] Among these, the inferior turbinate, which is the largest, becomes chronically enlarged when exposed to repeated inflammation such as allergic rhinitis, causing nasal congestion. This is called inferior turbinate rhinitis.

[0004] Chronic irritation caused by allergic rhinitis, photokinetic rhinitis, and chronic infectious rhinitis causes venous congestion, fibrosis, and inflammation in the mucosa, resulting in swelling of the mucosa.

[0005] By applying high frequency to reduce inflammation and vascular dilation, which are the main causes of inferior turbinate rhinitis, the size of the inferior turbinate can be reduced and the normal function of the nose can be restored.

[0006] The electrodes make direct contact, causing current to flow through the inferior turbinate mucosa and to the negative plate.

[0007] High-frequency stimulation of the inflamed and dilated blood vessels of the inferior turbinate can reduce inflammation, constrict vasodilation, or inhibit the formation of new blood vessels.

[0008] Conventional radiofrequency treatment involves inserting a probe into the inferior turbinate and applying a high-frequency cross-current, heating the tissue to temperatures above 47°C. This causes protein coagulation and tissue necrosis, resulting in a reduction in the inferior turbinate volume. This treatment maintains ciliary function by preserving the mucosa and offers long-term relief from symptoms such as nasal congestion.

[0009] However, there were problems such as pain and bleeding when inserting the probe and applying high-frequency energy.

[0010] The present invention has been devised to solve the above-described problems, and the purpose of the present invention is to provide a non-invasive inferior turbinate reduction device that can reduce side effects occurring during inferior turbinate reduction by electrically stimulating the inferior turbinate with high-frequency energy to reduce dilated blood vessels in the inferior turbinate and reduce inflammation.

[0011] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0012] A non-invasive inferior turbinate reduction device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a tip; an electrode installed on the tip and applying or releasing a high-frequency current to the inferior turbinate; a high-frequency generating part that generates a high-frequency current to be supplied to the electrode; an insulating layer having an insulating coating on the surface of the tip excluding the electrode; and a mounting part installed on the tip and on which the inferior turbinate is mounted.

[0013] Additionally, the mounting part may include a mounting groove sunken into the electrode to accommodate the lower turbinate.

[0014] Additionally, the above-mentioned anchoring groove may have a curved shape with a preset curvature.

[0015] In addition, the mounting part may include a main body installed at the end of the tip; a first grip extending from the main body and having the electrode installed thereon, supporting one side of the inferior turbinate; and a second grip extending from the main body at a distance from the first grip and supporting the other side of the inferior turbinate.

[0016] Additionally, one surface of each of the first grip and the second grip that contacts the lower turbinate may have a cross-sectional shape in the shape of an arc.

[0017] Additionally, the second grip may have a length that is smaller than or equal to the first grip.

[0018] In addition, the electrode includes at least one first electrode; and at least one second electrode, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode can output at least one of a monopolar type high-frequency current and a bipolar type high-frequency current.

[0019] Other specific details of the present invention are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0020] A non-invasive inferior turbinate reduction device according to one embodiment of the present invention has the effect of reducing side effects occurring during inferior turbinate reduction by electrically stimulating the inferior turbinate with high-frequency energy to reduce dilated blood vessels in the inferior turbinate and reduce inflammation.

[0021] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0022] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a non-invasive turbinate reduction device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a tip and electrode of a non-invasive turbinate reduction device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing another example of a tip and electrode of a non-invasive turbinate reduction device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a side view showing a state in which the non-invasive inferior turbinate reduction device according to FIGS. 2 and 3 applies high-frequency current to the inferior turbinate.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a front view showing a state in which the non-invasive inferior turbinate reduction device according to FIGS. 2 and 3 applies high-frequency current to the inferior turbinate.

[0027] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing another example of a tip and electrode of a non-invasive turbinate reduction device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 7 is a front view showing a state in which a non-invasive inferior turbinate reduction device according to Figure 6 applies high-frequency current to the inferior turbinate.

[0029] Figure 8 is a graph showing the inhibition of inflammatory cytokine expression by high-frequency application to the inferior turbinate.

[0030] Figure 9 is a graph showing the inhibition of macrophage activity by high-frequency application to the inferior turbinate.

[0031] Figure 10 is a graph showing the inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression by high-frequency application to the inferior turbinate.

[0032] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided solely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the present invention, and the present invention is defined solely by the scope of the claims.

[0033] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments only and is not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular also includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise. As used herein, the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components in addition to the mentioned components. Like reference numerals refer to like components throughout the specification, and "and / or" includes each and any combination of one or more of the mentioned components. Although "first", "second", etc. are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, it should be understood that a first component mentioned below may also be a second component within the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein may be used in their common sense to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise.

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a non-invasive inferior turbinate reduction device according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a tip (110) and an electrode (130) of a non-invasive inferior turbinate reduction device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing another example of a tip (110) and an electrode (130) of a non-invasive inferior turbinate reduction device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, a non-invasive turbinate reduction device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a handpiece (100), a high-frequency generating part (200), a processor (300), a display part (400), and a switch part (500).

[0038] The handpiece (100) may be equipped with a high-frequency generating part (200), a processor (300), a display part (400), and a switch part (500). This handpiece (100) may be utilized as a handle that a user can grip.

[0039] The handpiece (100) may include a tip (110), a connecting part (120), an electrode (130), an insulating layer (140), and a mounting part (150).

[0040] The tip (110) can be installed on one side of the handpiece (100) and can enter the inferior turbinate (10) through the nostril. In this way, when the tip (110) has entered the inferior turbinate (10), the electrode (130) installed on the tip (110) can come into contact with the inferior turbinate (10). At this time, the electrode (130) can apply or release a high-frequency current to the inferior turbinate (10). Meanwhile, since the surface of the tip (110) is insulated through the insulating layer (140), the high-frequency current applied from the electrode (130) to the inferior turbinate (10) can be prevented from being transmitted to the tip (110).

[0041] For example, the tip (110) may have a bar shape. Meanwhile, an electrode (130) and an insulating layer (140) may be installed on the tip (110).

[0042] The connecting part (120) can be installed on the other side of the handpiece (100). This connecting part (120) can be detachably coupled to the high-frequency generating part (200).

[0043] The electrode (130) is installed in the tip (110), and when the tip (110) enters the nostril, it can serve to apply or release high-frequency current to the inferior turbinate (10) while in contact with the inferior turbinate (10). At this time, the electrode (130) can be supplied with high-frequency current from the high-frequency generating part (200) through the connecting part (120).

[0044] For example, the electrode (130) may include at least one first electrode (130) and at least one second electrode (130). Here, the first electrode (130) and the second electrode (130) may output at least one of a monopolar type high-frequency current having the same polarity and a bipolar type high-frequency current having different polarities. Referring to FIG. 2, the first electrode (130) and the second electrode (130) may receive a high-frequency current having the same polarity from the high-frequency generating part (200), thereby outputting a monopolar type high-frequency current having the same polarity. Referring to FIG. 3, the first electrode (130) and the second electrode (130) may receive a high-frequency current having different polarities from the high-frequency generating part (200), thereby outputting a bipolar type high-frequency current having different polarities. Here, the first electrode (130) and the second electrode (130) can be placed spaced apart from each other.

[0045] As another example, the electrode (130) may be made of a conductive material including at least one of copper, iron, silver, and gold.

[0046] The insulating layer (140) can be formed as an insulating coating on the surface of the tip (110) excluding the electrode (130). Accordingly, the high-frequency current applied from the electrode (130) to the inferior turbinate (10) can be prevented from being transmitted to the tip (110).

[0047] The high frequency generating part (200) can generate high frequency current to be supplied to the electrode (130).

[0048] The settling part (150) is installed on the tip (110) or electrode (130), so that the lower turbinate (10) can be settling.

[0049] For example, the mounting part (150) may include a mounting groove (151) sunken into the electrode (130). Here, the mounting groove (151) may have a curved shape with a certain curvature. In this way, since the mounting groove (151) has a certain curvature and a curved shape, the inferior turbinate (10) can be easily mounted in the mounting groove (151), and stimulation applied to the inferior turbinate (10) can be alleviated.

[0050] The high frequency generating part (200) can generate high frequency current to be supplied to the electrode (130).

[0051] The processor (300) is installed in the handpiece (100) and can serve to control the electrode (130).

[0052] The processor (300) controls the output of a monopolar type high-frequency current or a bipolar type high-frequency current from the first electrode (130) and the second electrode (130) according to the high-frequency current output option selected by the user through the switch part (500), and can also control the output time and energy output intensity of the high-frequency current to be adjusted.

[0053] The display part (400) is installed in the handpiece (100) and can serve to display the operating status of the electrode (130).

[0054] The switch part (500) can receive a current output option selected by the user. Here, the current output option is as follows. For example, the frequency of the high-frequency current applied from the electrode (130) to the inferior turbinate (10) may be 1 MHz or 2 MHz. In addition, the energy of the high-frequency current applied from the electrode (130) to the inferior turbinate (10) may be 1 to 20 watts, but more preferably, it may be an energy of 10 watts. In addition, the time for applying the high-frequency current from the electrode (130) to the inferior turbinate (10) may be 10 to 200 ms, but more preferably, it may be 50 ms. As another example, when repeating the application of the high-frequency current to the inferior turbinate (10) from the electrode (130) and the release of the high-frequency current application, the time for releasing the high-frequency current application may be 5 to 50 ms, but more preferably, it may be 10 ms. In summary, the most desirable current output option is to apply 5 pulses repeatedly under the conditions of a high-frequency current frequency of 1 MHz or 2 MHz, a high-frequency current energy of 10 watts, a high-frequency current operating time of 50 ms, and a high-frequency current application / release time of 10 ms, thereby reducing the hypertrophy of the inferior turbinate (10). Here, the number of pulses can be implemented as 1 to 5 as needed.

[0055] Hereinafter, the process of applying high-frequency current to the inferior turbinate (10) by the non-invasive inferior turbinate reduction device according to FIGS. 2 and 3 will be described. The following process can be performed by a processor (300) or a robotic arm.

[0056] FIG. 4 is a side view showing a state in which the non-invasive inferior turbinate reduction device according to FIGS. 2 and 3 applies high-frequency current to the inferior turbinate (10), and FIG. 5 is a front view showing a state in which the non-invasive inferior turbinate reduction device according to FIGS. 2 and 3 applies high-frequency current to the inferior turbinate (10).

[0057] First, the tip (110) enters the inferior turbinate (10) through the nostril.

[0058] Next, the electrode (130) installed on the tip (110) comes into contact with the lower turbinate (10). At this time, the lower turbinate (10) can be seated in the seating groove (151) formed on the electrode (130).

[0059] Next, as a high-frequency current is supplied from the high-frequency generating part (200) to the electrode (130), the high-frequency current can be applied from the electrode (130) to the inferior turbinate (10). At this time, since the surface of the tip (110) is insulated through the insulating layer (140), the high-frequency current applied from the electrode (130) to the inferior turbinate (10) can be prevented from being transmitted to the tip (110). (See FIGS. 4 and 5)

[0060] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing another example of a tip (110) and electrode (130) of a non-invasive turbinate reduction device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 6, the settling part (150) may include a main body (152), a first grip (153), and a second grip (154).

[0062] The main body (152) can be installed at the end of the tip (110).

[0063] The first grip (153) extends from the main body (152), has an electrode (130) installed, and can support one side of the inferior turbinate (10). For example, the first grip (153) may have a curved plate shape.

[0064] The second grip (154) extends from the main body (152) at a distance from the first grip (153) and can support the other side of the inferior turbinate (10). For example, the second grip (154) may have a curved plate shape.

[0065] The inner surface of the main body (152), the inner surface of the first grip (153), and the inner surface of the second grip (154) may have an overall arcuate cross-sectional shape. Accordingly, the inferior turbinate (10) can be easily positioned between the inner surface of the main body (152), the inner surface of the first grip (153), and the inner surface of the second grip (154), and the stimulation applied to the inferior turbinate (10) can be alleviated.

[0066] For example, the second grip (154) may have a shorter length than the first grip (153). Here, the rear of the inferior turbinate (10) may be supported by the second grip (154), and the front of the inferior turbinate (10) may be supported by the first grip (153).

[0067] As another example, the second grip (154) may have the same length as the first grip (153).

[0068] Hereinafter, the process of applying high-frequency current to the inferior turbinate (10) by the non-invasive inferior turbinate reduction device according to Fig. 6 will be described. The following process can be performed by a processor (300) or a robotic arm.

[0069] Figure 7 is a front view showing a state in which a non-invasive inferior turbinate reduction device according to Figure 6 applies high-frequency current to the inferior turbinate (10).

[0070] First, the tip (110) enters the inferior turbinate (10) through the nostril.

[0071] Next, the electrode (130) installed on the tip (110) comes into contact with the inferior turbinate (10). At this time, the inferior turbinate (10) is seated between the inner surface of the main body (152), the inner surface of the first grip (153), and the inner surface of the second grip (154), and the electrode (130) arranged on the inner surface of the first grip (153) can come into contact with the inferior turbinate (10).

[0072] Next, as a high-frequency current is supplied from the high-frequency generating part (200) to the electrode (130), the high-frequency current can be applied from the electrode (130) to the inferior turbinate (10). At this time, as the surface of the tip (110) is insulated through the insulating layer (140), the high-frequency current applied from the electrode (130) to the inferior turbinate (10) can be prevented from being transmitted to the tip (110). (See FIG. 7)

[0073] [Experimental Example]

[0074] Figure 8 is a graph showing the suppression of inflammatory cytokine expression by high-frequency application to the inferior turbinate (10).

[0075] UVB in Fig. 8 is the first group in which ultraviolet rays were applied to the inferior turbinate (10) of an animal, UVB / RF in Fig. 8 is the second group in which ultraviolet rays (UVB) and radio frequency (RF) were applied together to the inferior turbinate (10) of an animal, and Con in Fig. 8 is the control group in which no treatment was applied to the inferior turbinate of an animal.

[0076] Referring to Fig. 8, compared to the control group, it was confirmed that groups 1 and 2 had an inhibitory effect on the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Specifically, referring to Fig. 8 A, compared to the control group, it was confirmed that groups 1 and 2 had suppressed expression of HMGB1 mRNA levels. In addition, referring to Fig. 8 B, compared to the control group, it was confirmed that groups 1 and 2 had suppressed expression of IL-6 mRNA levels. Referring to Fig. 8 C, compared to the control group, it was confirmed that groups 1 and 2 had suppressed expression of IL-6 mRNA levels. Referring to Fig. 8 D, compared to the control group, it was confirmed that groups 1 and 2 had suppressed expression of PGE mRNA levels.

[0077] Figure 9 is a graph showing the inhibition of macrophage activity by high-frequency application of the inferior turbinate (10).

[0078] UVB in Fig. 9 is the first group in which ultraviolet rays were applied to the inferior turbinate (10) of an animal, the graph UVB / RF in Fig. 9 is the second group in which ultraviolet rays (UVB) and radio frequency (RF) were applied together to the inferior turbinate (10) of an animal, and Con in Fig. 9 is the control group in which no treatment was applied to the inferior turbinate of an animal.

[0079] Referring to Figure 9, compared to the control group, it was confirmed that Group 1 and Group 2 had an inhibitory effect on macrophage activity. Specifically, referring to Figure 9A, compared to the control group, it can be confirmed through a photograph that Group 1 and Group 2 had suppressed macrophage activity. In addition, referring to Figure 9B, compared to the control group, it can be confirmed that Group 1 and Group 2 had suppressed Iba1 macrophage activity. Referring to Figure 9C, compared to the control group, it can be confirmed that Group 1 and Group 2 had suppressed expression of CD163 mRNA levels.

[0080] Figure 10 is a graph showing the inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression by high frequency application to the inferior turbinate (10).

[0081] UVB in Fig. 10 is the first group in which ultraviolet rays were applied to the inferior turbinate (10) of an animal, the graph UVB / RF in Fig. 10 is the second group in which ultraviolet rays (UVB) and radio frequency (RF) were applied together to the inferior turbinate (10) of an animal, and Con in Fig. 10 is the control group in which no treatment was applied to the inferior turbinate of an animal.

[0082] Referring to Fig. 10, it was confirmed that groups 1 and 2 had an inhibitory effect on the expression of angiogenic factors when compared to the control group. Specifically, referring to Fig. 10A, it can be confirmed through photographs that groups 1 and 2 had suppressed expression of angiogenic factors when compared to the control group. In addition, referring to Fig. 10B, it can be confirmed that groups 1 and 2 had suppressed expression of angiogenic factors (VEGF) when compared to the control group. In addition, referring to Fig. 10C, it can be confirmed that groups 1 and 2 had suppressed expression of VEGFR2 mRNA levels when compared to the control group.

[0083] According to the present invention, a non-invasive inferior turbinate reduction device according to one embodiment of the present invention has the effect of reducing side effects occurring during inferior turbinate reduction by electrically stimulating the inferior turbinate with high-frequency energy to reduce dilated blood vessels in the inferior turbinate and reduce inflammation.

[0084] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without altering the technical concept or essential features thereof. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive.

Claims

1. Tips; An electrode installed on the tip and applying or releasing high-frequency current to the lower turbinate; A high-frequency generating part that generates high-frequency current to be supplied to the above electrode; An insulating layer coated with insulation on the surface of the tip excluding the electrode; and A non-invasive inferior turbinate reduction device, comprising a mounting part installed on the tip and on which the inferior turbinate is mounted.

2. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned settling part is, A non-invasive inferior turbinate reduction device comprising a recessed mounting groove in the electrode to accommodate the inferior turbinate.

3. In paragraph 2, The above-mentioned anchoring home is a non-invasive inferior turbinate reduction device having a curved shape with a preset curvature.

4. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned settling part is, A main body installed at the end of the above tip; A first grip extending from the main body and having the electrode installed thereon, supporting one side of the lower turbinate; and A non-invasive inferior turbinate reduction device, comprising a second grip extending from the main body at a distance from the first grip and supporting the other side of the inferior turbinate.

5. In paragraph 4, A non-invasive inferior turbinate reduction device, wherein each of the first grip and the second grip, which come into contact with the inferior turbinate, has a cross-sectional shape in the shape of an arc.

6. In paragraph 4, A non-invasive inferior turbinate reduction device, wherein the second grip has a length that is equal to or smaller than that of the first grip.

7. In paragraph 1, The above electrodes are, at least one first electrode; and comprising at least one second electrode, A non-invasive inferior turbinate reduction device, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode output at least one of a monopolar type high-frequency current and a bipolar type high-frequency current.

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