Nasal Electrode Array With Expandable Tip for Precise Rhinitis Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical procedures for treating rhinitis are inaccurate and cause significant collateral damage, failing to adequately treat underlying symptoms and requiring multiple repositioning of end effectors, which increases procedure time and risk of unintended complications.
Innovation Solution
A handheld device with a retractable and expandable multi-segment end effector and elongate body, featuring ergonomic handles and independent electrode control, allows precise and minimally invasive treatment by conforming to nasal anatomy and delivering energy to specific target sites, including both the end effector and elongate body electrodes, to modulate neural structures without collateral damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If thermal energy delivery or microdebrider resection is used to treat nasal congestion, then nasal airflow is improved, but collateral damage occurs and scarring results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical microdebrider resection and thermal energy delivery with focused ultrasound energy. The ultrasound system uses acoustic radiation pressure and cavitation effects to selectively disrupt tissue at the target site without the mechanical contact and thermal spread of conventional methods, thereby improving nasal airflow while minimizing collateral damage and scarring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of water within tissue through ultrasound-induced cavitation. The focused ultrasound energy creates microbubbles that collapse, generating localized mechanical stress and thermal effects precisely at the target site. This phase transition mechanism allows selective tissue disruption without the widespread thermal damage associated with conventional thermal energy delivery methods.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple end effectors are repositioned during the procedure, then treatment coverage is improved, but procedure time and risk of complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single multi-functional end effector that integrates both ultrasound energy delivery and radiofrequency ablation capabilities. This universal device can treat multiple target sites within the nasal cavity without requiring repositioning or exchange of effectors, as the system can deliver energy through different pathways and modes from a single positioned device, thereby reducing procedure time and complication risks while maintaining comprehensive treatment coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous treatment delivery through a single positioned end effector by utilizing both ultrasound and radiofrequency energy modes. The system can switch between and combine these energy delivery methods without requiring repositioning, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the procedure. This eliminates the interruptions and repositioning steps inherent in conventional approaches, reducing overall procedure time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple end effectors are repositioned during the procedure, then treatment coverage is improved, but risk of unintended complications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single multi-functional end effector that integrates both ultrasound energy delivery and radiofrequency ablation capabilities. This universal device can treat multiple target sites within the nasal cavity without requiring repositioning or exchange of effectors, as the system can deliver energy through different pathways and modes from a single positioned device, thereby reducing procedure time and complication risks while maintaining comprehensive treatment coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the end effector as an intermediary that delivers both ultrasound and radiofrequency energy to target sites. This intermediary device provides controlled and localized energy delivery, reducing the risk of unintended complications compared to direct mechanical or thermal contact methods. The end effector acts as a mediator that precisely confines energy deposition to the intended target, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
4Reliability
If pharmaceutical agents are used for rhinosinusitis, then symptoms are treated, but side effects such as sedation and irritation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pharmaceutical chemical treatment with physical focused ultrasound and radiofrequency energy delivery. This substitution eliminates the systemic side effects of medications such as sedation, taste impairment, and throat irritation, while providing localized and targeted treatment of the underlying neural structures responsible for rhinosinusitis symptoms, thereby maintaining effective symptom control without harmful systemic effects.
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
Provides long-term symptom relief for allergic and non-allergic rhinitis with immediate patient benefit, reducing the need for pharmacotherapy by accurately targeting nasal turbinates and parasympathetic nerves, minimizing collateral damage and procedural complications.
Implementation Method 1
an operator can perform an accurate, minimally invasive, and localized application of energy to one or more target sites within the nasal passage and nasal cavity
Implementation Method 2
the delivery of thermal energy to the inflamed soft tissue, resulting in scarring and temporary volumetric reduction of the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a device for treating at least one of rhinitis, congestion, and/or rhinorrhea to thereby reduce or eliminate symptoms associated therewith, including, but not limited to, coughing, sneezing, nasal or throat irritation and itching, and difficulty sleeping. The device includes a shaft, a retractable and expandable end effector, and handle, that, as a whole, provide a high level of precise control and feedback to an operator during a procedure. The shaft includes an electrode array provided along a length thereof configured to deliver energy to specific target sites within the nasal passage and nasal cavity in conjunction with neuromodulation provided by the end effector.