Nasal Neuromodulation End Effector for Localized RF Nerve Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical procedures for treating rhinitis are inaccurate and cause significant collateral damage, failing to provide precise and localized treatment of neural structures within the nasal cavity.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage end effector with a handle architecture that allows for precise control and feedback, enabling minimally invasive treatment by conforming to nasal anatomy and delivering RF thermal energy to target sites, specifically postganglionic parasympathetic nerves, using a retractable and expandable multi-segment end effector with ergonomic features for accurate deployment and energy control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current surgical procedures are used to treat rhinitis, then congestion is addressed through tissue removal or thermal energy delivery, but significant collateral damage occurs and treatment accuracy is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the treatment function into distinct components: a multi-stage end effector with separate deployment and energy delivery functions, and a handle with independent controls for each function. This segmentation allows precise control of energy delivery to targeted neural structures without affecting surrounding tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies local quality by delivering energy specifically to postganglionic parasympathetic nerves in the nasal cavity while leaving other tissues unaffected. The end effector's geometry is designed to conform to specific anatomical locations, ensuring localized treatment of neural structures rather than broad tissue damage.
2Ease of operation
If traditional surgical options are used, then nasal airflow is improved through tissue removal, but the procedures carry risks of bleeding, scarring, and require general anesthetic
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical tissue removal with RF thermal energy delivery to neural structures. Instead of physically removing tissue with microdebriders, the device uses electromagnetic energy to modulate nerve function, eliminating the need for general anesthesia and reducing procedural risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector employs dynamic deployment stages that allow the operator to progress through controlled expansion phases. The multi-stage deployment mechanism enables gradual engagement with nasal anatomy, allowing withdrawal or repositioning at any stage if anatomical variations are encountered, thereby simplifying the procedure and reducing risks.
3Reliability
If pharmacotherapy is used for rhinitis, then symptoms are managed, but long-term use incurs costs and side effects with suboptimal efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary action by delivering RF thermal energy to modulate neural structures before symptoms fully manifest. By targeting the parasympathetic nerves that control nasal secretions and congestion, the treatment prevents symptom development rather than merely managing them, providing long-lasting relief without continuous medication.
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 solution provides long-term symptom relief for rhinitis conditions with minimal collateral damage, allowing immediate symptom improvement and reducing the need for pharmacotherapy.
Implementation Method 1
delivering RF thermal energy to target sites, specifically postganglionic parasympathetic nerves
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides systems and methods for therapeutically modulating nerves in or associated with a nasal region of a patient for the treatment of a rhinosinusitis condition. The method includes providing a treatment device comprising a treatment comprising a plurality of electrodes and advancing the treatment element into the nasal cavity of a subject such that two or more of the plurality of electrodes of the treatment element are positioned relative to targeted neural tissue within the nasal cavity. The method further includes controlling, via a console unit operably coupled to the treatment device, delivery of one or more treatment applications applied via the treatment element for altering transmission of signals through the targeted tissue.