Expandable Nasal Cryotherapy for Multi-Branch Nerve Targeting

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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

1Measurement precision

If existing therapies are used to treat nasal nerve disorders, then treatment can be administered, but the ability to accurately and comprehensively target all dysfunctional nerves is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetargeting precisionVSAvoidtreatment completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the treatment function into multiple independent cryotherapy delivery members, each capable of targeting specific nerve branches. The expandable structure allows different segments to contact different nerve locations simultaneously, improving both targeting precision and treatment completeness for multiple dysfunctional nerves

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from a linear delivery system to a three-dimensional expandable structure within the nasal cavity. This dimensional change enables simultaneous contact with multiple nerve branches at different spatial locations, enhancing comprehensive targeting capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If existing therapies are used to treat nasal nerve disorders, then treatment can be administered, but symptom relief is incomplete and relapse occurs frequently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidsymptom relief duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the treatment into multiple targeted cryotherapy applications on different nerve branches, the device ensures more complete neural modulation, leading to more comprehensive and durable symptom relief with reduced relapse frequency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device applies controlled thermal parameters through cryotherapy to modify nerve function. This thermal parameter change creates lasting effects on the targeted nerves, extending the duration of symptom relief and improving long-term treatment effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed position cryotherapy device is used, then the device structure is simple, but multiple nerve branches cannot be comprehensively targeted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenerve targeting coverageVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates dynamic expandability, transitioning from a compact delivery state to an expanded treatment state within the nasal cavity. This dynamic transformation allows the device to adapt to the three-dimensional arrangement of nerve branches while maintaining a simple delivery structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The expandable cryotherapy delivery members are nested within the delivery catheter during insertion, similar to a nested doll structure. Upon deployment, they expand outward to contact multiple nerve branches, achieving versatile nerve coverage without requiring a complex multi-component device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 and improving patient quality of life.

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

the expandable member can be actuated between (i) a first configuration in which the expandable member has a first size and (ii) a second configuration in which the expandable member has a second size, wherein the first size is smaller than the second size

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical expansion: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250387258A1Apparatus and Methods for Improved Nasal Cavity Treatments

Publication Date: 2025.12.25 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.