Extendable Needle RF Ablation Instrument for Posterior Nasal Nerve

The patent segments the surgical approach by targeting only the posterior nasal nerve rather than the entire vidian nerve. The needle instrument is designed to access and ablate specifically the posterior nasal nerve branch within the nasal cavity, separating this target from the main vidian nerve trunk that supplies the lacrimal gland. This segmentation allows selective destruction of the problematic nerve branch while preserving other neural structures.

The patent applies local quality by using a focused RF ablation approach that delivers thermal energy only to the specific location of the posterior nasal nerve. The needle instrument concentrates the ablation effect at the target site within the nasal cavity, creating localized tissue destruction precisely where needed while leaving surrounding structures including the lacrimal gland unaffected. This localized treatment approach contrasts with the broader vidian neurectomy that affects multiple neural structures.

The patent employs a nested structure where the ablation needle is housed within a protective sheath or delivery catheter that guides it through the nasal cavity. The needle can be advanced step-by-step through the nasal passages to reach the posterior nasal nerve, with the outer sheath providing a track and protection during insertion. This nested design facilitates safe navigation to the deep-located target while maintaining precision.

The patent replaces complex mechanical surgical dissection with RF energy-based ablation. Instead of requiring extensive mechanical exposure and dissection of the posterior nasal nerve, the instrument uses radiofrequency energy to selectively destroy the nerve tissue at the target site. This energy-based approach simplifies the surgical procedure, reduces the need for extensive anatomical exposure, and improves ease of operation while maintaining safety.