Cryotherapy Probe with Curved Shaft for Nasal Nerve Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cryotherapy devices for ENT applications are limited in their ability to effectively treat rhinitis and other nasal conditions, particularly in outpatient settings without general anesthesia, and often result in temporary relief with potential complications such as mucosal sloughing and chronic dry eyes from invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A cryotherapy device with a probe shaft having a curved portion and an end effector configured to transmit lateral pressure, allowing for precise ablation of nasal nerves, utilizing cryogenic fluid for effective treatment in the nasal cavity with improved maneuverability and reduced tissue forces required for contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional cryotherapy devices are used for ENT treatments, then the treatment can be administered, but the devices lack precision and control for ablation of nasal nerves
Solution Approach 1:
The probe shaft is divided into multiple segments with different flexibility characteristics. The proximal portion has greater flexibility while the distal portion has lesser flexibility, allowing the device to be maneuvered into position while maintaining precision at the tip for nerve ablation.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe shaft includes a curved portion that enables the distal end to be positioned at angles relative to the proximal end, improving maneuverability within the nasal cavity while maintaining control precision for targeted ablation.
2Reliability
If invasive procedures are performed to treat rhinitis, then symptom relief is achieved, but complications such as mucosal sloughing and chronic dry eyes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is designed with a specific geometry that concentrates the cryotherapy effect locally at the nasal nerve while minimizing spread to surrounding tissues. This localized treatment approach maintains treatment effectiveness while reducing harmful effects such as mucosal sloughing and chronic dry eyes.
3Reliability
If daily medication is prescribed for chronic rhinitis, then symptoms are managed, but patient compliance becomes onerous and up to 20% of patients are refractory
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides a one-time procedural intervention that creates long-lasting effect through nerve ablation, eliminating the need for daily medication compliance. The preliminary action of nerve ablation results in durable symptom relief without requiring ongoing patient effort or medication adherence.
4Strength
If radiofrequency-based or micro-debridement-based surgeries are performed, then turbinate reduction is achieved, but the duration of effect is temporary (1-2 years) and complications include overtreatment and bone damage
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces mechanical surgery (radiofrequency, micro-debridement) with cryotherapy-based nerve ablation. This substitution provides a more durable effect by targeting the autonomic nerves that control turbinate function, rather than mechanically reducing the turbinate tissue itself, thereby extending the duration of effect beyond 1-2 years.
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
Enhances the delivery of cryotherapy treatments in ENT procedures by providing more effective and controlled ablation of nasal nerves, reducing symptoms of rhinitis, and improving patient outcomes with reduced complications and increased accessibility in office-based settings.
Implementation Method 1
the end effector is configured to transmit lateral pressure against the nasal tissue region
Implementation Method 2
cryotherapy device with a probe shaft having a curved portion and an end effector configured to transmit lateral pressure, allowing for precise ablation of nasal nerves, utilizing cryogenic fluid for effective treatment
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for treating conditions such as rhinitis are disclosed herein where a distal end of a probe shaft is introduced through the nasal cavity where the distal end has an end effector with a first configuration having a low-profile which is shaped to manipulate tissue within the nasal cavity. The 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 the 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.