Nasal Valve Reshaping With Energy Delivery for Reduced Airflow Resistance

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for treating nasal airflow inadequacy, such as surgical interventions and external nasal dilators, are invasive, uncomfortable, and unsightly, and there is a need for non-invasive and minimally invasive solutions to improve nasal airflow and reduce resistance.

Innovation Solution

Devices and methods that utilize energy delivery elements, such as RF energy, ultrasound, and reshaping elements to reshape nasal tissues, including skin, muscle, mucosa, and cartilage, without surgical incisions or implants, to alter the conformation and properties of the nasal valves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If surgical interventions are used to treat nasal airflow inadequacy, then nasal airflow is improved, but the treatment becomes invasive and carries surgical risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenasal airflowVSAvoidsurgical risks

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical surgical interventions with energy-based treatment systems. An energy delivery device delivers energy (such as radiofrequency energy) to nasal tissues to reshape cartilage and improve nasal valve function, eliminating the need for invasive surgical procedures while achieving similar therapeutic effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an energy delivery device as an intermediary between the treatment goal and the tissue. The device includes an energy delivery element that can be positioned within the nasal cavity to deliver controlled energy to specific tissues, acting as a non-invasive mediator to achieve tissue reshaping

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If external nasal dilators are used to improve nasal airflow, then airflow resistance is reduced, but the device becomes uncomfortable and unsightly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenasal airflowVSAvoidcomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an energy delivery device as an intermediary between the treatment goal and the tissue. The device includes an energy delivery element that can be positioned within the nasal cavity to deliver controlled energy to specific tissues, acting as a non-invasive mediator to achieve tissue reshaping

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical surgical interventions with energy-based treatment systems. An energy delivery device delivers energy (such as radiofrequency energy) to nasal tissues to reshape cartilage and improve nasal valve function, eliminating the need for invasive surgical procedures while achieving similar therapeutic effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If energy delivery elements are used to reshape nasal tissues, then nasal airflow is improved without incisions, but energy must be delivered precisely to avoid tissue damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenasal airflowVSAvoidenergy delivery precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor and control energy delivery. The system includes sensors and control circuits that monitor tissue response during energy delivery and adjust parameters in real-time to achieve desired reshaping effects while preventing overheating or tissue damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical surgical interventions with energy-based treatment systems. An energy delivery device delivers energy (such as radiofrequency energy) to nasal tissues to reshape cartilage and improve nasal valve function, eliminating the need for invasive surgical procedures while achieving similar therapeutic effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

These methods effectively decrease airflow resistance and improve nasal airflow by reshaping nasal tissues, providing a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing solution for nasal airflow issues without the risks and discomfort of invasive procedures.

Implementation Method 1

Devices and methods that utilize energy delivery elements, such as RF energy, ultrasound, and reshaping elements to reshape nasal tissues

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRF energy: Dielectric Heating

Implementation Method 2

Devices and methods that utilize energy delivery elements, such as RF energy, ultrasound, and reshaping elements to reshape nasal tissues

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasound: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentUS20250241698A1Methods and devices to treat nasal airways

Publication Date: 2025.07.31 AERIN MEDICAL INC

AI summary

Methods and devices for treating nasal airways are provided. Such devices and methods may improve airflow through an internal and/or external nasal valve, and comprise the use of mechanical re-shaping, energy application and other treatments to modify the shape, structure, and/or air flow characteristics of an internal nasal valve, an external nasal valve or other nasal airways.