Multi-Element Nasal Cryotherapy Delivery for Nerve Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing therapies for nasal nerve disorders, such as rhinitis, struggle to accurately and comprehensively target all dysfunctional nerves within the nasal cavity, particularly the anterior ethmoid nerve (AEN) and other sensory and parasympathetic nerves, leading to incomplete symptom relief and frequent relapse.

Innovation Solution

A cryotherapy device with an elongated shaft and articulation joint, equipped with a cryotherapy delivery member, is designed to apply thermal energy to specific nerves within the nasal cavity, including the AEN, using a balloon or expandable plates to ensure thorough treatment of multiple nerve branches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single-point cryotherapy delivery method is used, then the device structure is simple, but the coverage of nerve branches is incomplete

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidnerve targeting accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The cryotherapy delivery member is divided into multiple independent cryotherapy elements (first, second, third, and fourth elements) that can be positioned at different locations within the nasal cavity. Each element can independently deliver cryotherapy to different nerve branches, including the anterior ethmoid nerve and other sensory and parasympathetic nerves, thereby achieving comprehensive nerve coverage while maintaining a manageable device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple cryotherapy elements are used to target all nerve branches, then the nerve coverage is comprehensive, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenerve coverage completenessVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple cryotherapy elements are integrated into a single cryotherapy delivery member that is inserted through one nostril. The delivery member includes a body with multiple elements arranged to simultaneously or sequentially treat different nerve locations (anterior ethmoid nerve, middle turbinate region, inferior turbinate region) without requiring multiple separate insertions or a complex multi-component system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cryotherapy delivery member is designed as a multi-functional device that can deliver cryotherapy to multiple different nerve targets within the nasal cavity through a single insertion. The device combines the functions of targeting the anterior ethmoid nerve, middle turbinate region, and inferior turbinate region in one unified structure, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional therapies are used, then the treatment approach is simple, but the symptom relief is incomplete and relapse is frequent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment simplicityVSAvoidsymptom relief durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The treatment approach is segmented to specifically identify and treat multiple distinct nerve branches (anterior ethmoid nerve, middle turbinate region nerves, inferior turbinate region nerves) rather than applying generic nasal therapy. This targeted multi-point approach ensures comprehensive coverage of all dysfunctional nerves, providing more complete and durable symptom relief while maintaining procedural simplicity through a single device insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 device provides more complete and long-lasting relief from nasal nerve disorders by effectively targeting multiple nerve locations, reducing the burden on healthcare systems through improved symptom management.

Implementation Method 1

The cryotherapy delivery member is configured to apply thermal energy to at least one of a plurality of nerves in the nasal cavity or a plurality of branches of a nerve in the nasal cavity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS12419782B2Apparatus and methods for improved nasal cavity treatments

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 ARRINEX INC

AI summary

In an example, a cryotherapy device includes an elongated shaft, and a cryotherapy delivery member coupled to a distal end of the elongated shaft. The cryotherapy delivery member is configured to apply, from a fixed position in a nasal cavity, thermal energy to at least one of a plurality of nerves in the nasal cavity or a plurality of branches of a nerve in the nasal cavity.