Cryotherapy Nasal Probe for Trigeminal Nerve Headache Relief
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatments for headaches, such as cryogenic ablation of nerve tissue, often require invasive procedures, result in significant side effects, and fail to reliably target the cause of the headache, leading to inadequate symptom relief and potential complications.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize cryotherapy to induce a controlled second-degree nerve injury at hypersensitive locations in the anterior nasal cavity, specifically targeting the trigeminal nerve branches, to reduce headache frequency and severity, while minimizing tissue damage and side effects by applying temperatures between −20° C. and −100° C. or using mechanical stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cryogenic ablation is applied to nerve tissue for headache treatment, then headache symptoms can be relieved, but immediate reproduction of headache symptoms and complications occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the temperature range from the conventional −120° C. to −160° C. down to a milder −20° C. to −100° C., and by controlling the duration of cryogenic application. This parameter optimization achieves effective nerve ablation for headache relief while minimizing harmful side effects such as immediate symptom reproduction and complications like loss of smell and vision disturbances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs local quality by using a probe to deliver cryogenic treatment to specific hypersensitive locations in the anterior nasal cavity where trigeminal nerve branches are identified. This localized approach targets only the problematic nerve areas rather than applying broad cryogenic treatment, thereby achieving precise headache relief while preserving surrounding healthy tissues and avoiding widespread complications.
2Reliability
If invasive cryogenic procedures are used to treat headaches, then nerve tissue can be ablated, but significant side effects and complications arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the temperature parameter from extreme cryogenic levels (−120° C. to −160° C.) to a milder range (−20° C. to −100° C.). This parameter modification maintains the therapeutic effectiveness of nerve ablation while significantly reducing harmful side effects such as loss of smell, blurred vision, diplopia, and other complications associated with more aggressive cryogenic procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a probe that can be advanced through the nasal cavity to deliver cryogenic treatment to specific target locations. This probe-based approach creates a controlled, localized treatment path that copies the precise anatomical route to the trigeminal nerve branches, enabling effective nerve ablation while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues and reducing overall harm.
3Reliability
If cryogenic treatment is applied to the sphenopalatine area, then nerve and artery freezing can be achieved, but loss of smell and vision disturbances occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by targeting specific hypersensitive locations in the anterior nasal cavity rather than the broader sphenopalatine area. The probe is advanced to identify and treat precise locations where trigeminal nerve branches exhibit hypersensitivity, delivering cryogenic treatment only to these localized areas. This selective approach achieves effective nerve ablation while preserving the olfactory epithelium and other sensitive structures, thereby preventing loss of smell and vision disturbances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the temperature parameter from the aggressive −120° C. to −160° C. range to a milder −20° C. to −100° C. range. This parameter change reduces the intensity of tissue freezing, allowing selective ablation of pathological nerve tissue while preserving adjacent healthy structures such as olfactory receptors and visual pathways, thereby preventing loss of smell and blurred vision complications.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If percutaneous electrode probe placement is used for cryogenic treatment, then target tissue can be reached, but tissue damage during procedure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a probe as an intermediary device that can be advanced through the nasal cavity to reach target tissue locations. This probe-based approach provides a less invasive alternative to percutaneous needle placement, allowing delivery of cryogenic treatment to deep trigeminal nerve branches while minimizing trauma to skin and subcutaneous tissues during the procedure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively reduces headache frequency and severity with minimal side effects, providing sustained relief for patients by accurately targeting nerve hypersensitivity areas, avoiding motor nerve damage and reducing the risk of complications like loss of smell or vision.
Implementation Method 1
A method and system that utilize cryotherapy to induce a controlled second-degree nerve injury at hypersensitive locations in the anterior nasal cavity
Implementation Method 2
or using mechanical stimulation
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and related systems treating headache and migraine. The method may include producing an injury to a nerve at an identified location of hypersensitivity; wherein the identified location is a location of nerve hypersensitivity. The identified location may be within the anterior or frontal aspect of a nasal cavity, corresponding to a location of the V1 branch of the trigeminal nerve. Producing an injury may comprise providing cryotherapy to the identified location. The cryotherapy is supplied by a chilled probe, a cryo-ballon, a nasal spray device, or a gel applicator.