Diode Laser Rhinitis Treatment Nerve Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for rhinitis, including surgical methods like vidian neurectomy and cryotherapy, face challenges such as complexity, complications like bleeding and eye dryness, and require precise nerve identification, while medical therapies suffer from tachyphylaxis and daily medication reliance.
Innovation Solution
A diode laser ablation process using a 940 nanometer wavelength with an elongated optic tip is inserted through the nostril to target and ablate posterior nasal nerves, achieving controlled tissue heating to 60-65°C for effective treatment of both branches of the posterior nasal nerve, allowing for a minimally invasive procedure with adjustable and disposable fiber tips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vidian neurectomy is performed to treat rhinitis, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but surgical complexity and risk of complications (bleeding, eye dryness) increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the problematic middle turbinate structure that obstructs access to the posterior nasal nerves. By removing this anatomical barrier through laser ablation, the procedure simplifies surgical access while maintaining effective nerve targeting, thereby reducing surgical complexity without compromising treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical dissection methods with laser ablation technology. The laser energy selectively vaporizes tissue to expose the posterior nasal nerves, eliminating the need for complex mechanical dissection and reducing the risk of complications associated with traditional surgical techniques
2Measurement precision
If precise nerve identification is performed to treat rhinitis, then treatment precision is improved, but procedural complexity and time requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary laser ablation of the middle turbinate structure before attempting nerve identification. This preparatory action clears the surgical field and exposes the posterior nasal nerves, making subsequent nerve identification more straightforward and reducing the overall procedural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses laser ablation to replace traditional mechanical dissection for nerve exposure. The laser precisely removes overlying tissue to reveal the nerves without requiring complex dissection maneuvers, thereby maintaining high precision while reducing procedural complexity
3Reliability
If traditional surgical methods are used to access posterior nasal nerves, then nerve treatment is achieved, but tissue damage and bleeding risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical dissection and cutting instruments with laser ablation. The laser energy selectively vaporizes tissue along its path, sealing blood vessels as it goes, thereby achieving nerve exposure and treatment while minimizing bleeding and tissue trauma compared to traditional surgical methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes controlled laser parameters (wavelength, power, pulse duration) to achieve selective tissue ablation. By optimizing these parameters, the laser can precisely remove tissue and coagulate vessels simultaneously, reducing harmful effects while maintaining effective nerve treatment
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
The diode laser ablation method is safe, well-tolerated, and effective in reducing nasal congestion and rhinorrhea symptoms, with significant improvements in Total Nasal Symptom Score and medication use reduction, offering a promising alternative to existing treatments for both allergic and non-allergic rhinitis.
Implementation Method 1
Skin and tissue temperature is raised to approximately 60-65° C. during the treatment process
Implementation Method 2
The present invention is a process and device for laser ablation of the posterior nasal nerves (PNN) for the treatment of rhinitis
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a process for treatment of rhinitis by diode laser ablation of the posterior nasal nerves. The laser diode delivery device with elongated optic tip is inserted through a patient's nostril and has the length, flexibility and a curvature to reach both above and under the patient's middle turbinate for treatment to both posterior nasal nerves. Skin and tissue temperature is raised to approximately 60-65° C. with the process. Optimal treatment wavelength was found to be approximately 940 nanometers.