Nasal Neuromodulation Targeting Postganglionic Nerves for Rhinitis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical interventions for treating rhinosinusitis, such as vidian neurectomies, are associated with irreversible complications like loss of reflex tearing and re-innervation due to nonspecific autonomic denervation, while pharmacological treatments have limited efficacy and undesirable side effects.
Innovation Solution
A therapeutic neuromodulation system and method that selectively targets postganglionic parasympathetic nerves in the nasal region through precise energy delivery at sites corresponding to rami extending through fissures, accessory foramina, and microforamina in the palatine bone, using energy delivery elements like electrodes or cryotherapeutic cooling to disrupt parasympathetic motor sensory function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vidian neurectomy is performed to treat rhinosinusitis, then parasympathetic tone in nasal mucosa is reduced, but irreversible complications occur including loss of reflex tearing and re-innervation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively targeting only the postganglionic parasympathetic nerves in the nasal cavity through precise energy delivery at specific anatomical sites (foramina in the palatine bone), while preserving other neural structures. This localized approach modifies only the necessary tissue properties to achieve therapeutic effect without causing widespread damage to adjacent structures that would result in complications like loss of reflex tearing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the autonomic nervous system control into specific targetable components by identifying and treating only the postganglionic parasympathetic fibers that innervate the nasal mucosa. By delivering energy through specific foramina, the treatment isolates and modifies only the relevant neural pathways responsible for rhinosinusitis symptoms, separating them from other autonomic functions that should be preserved.
2Reliability
If vidian neurectomy is performed to treat rhinosinusitis, then nasal symptoms are improved, but re-innervation occurs due to nonspecific autonomic denervation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves durable symptom control by applying local quality through precise targeting of postganglionic parasympathetic nerves at their exit points through foramina in the palatine bone. This localized energy delivery creates permanent modification of the specific neural pathways responsible for nasal symptoms, preventing re-innervation by sparing the preganglionic fibers and other autonomic pathways that would otherwise compensate and cause symptom recurrence.
3Ease of operation
If pharmacological treatments are used to treat rhinosinusitis, then some symptom relief is achieved, but limited efficacy and undesirable side effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pharmacological chemical system with a direct physical energy delivery system. Instead of using drugs that must be absorbed, distributed, and metabolized (with associated side effects and limited efficacy), the invention applies controlled energy directly to the target nerves through minimally invasive percutaneous access, achieving more reliable symptom control with fewer adverse effects while maintaining ease of administration.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If selective targeting of postganglionic parasympathetic nerves is achieved through precise energy delivery, then complications are minimized and sympathetic tone is maintained, but requires precise anatomical knowledge and delivery accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the foramina in the palatine bone as natural anatomical intermediaries or conduits that guide the energy delivery system to the target postganglionic parasympathetic nerves. These pre-existing bony openings serve as predetermined pathways that simplify navigation and positioning, reducing the precision requirements compared to direct targeting, while ensuring selective modification of the intended neural structures and minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
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
Reduces symptoms of rhinosinusitis by selectively modulating nasal mucosa innervation, minimizing complications and maintaining sympathetic tone, with potential for improved patient outcomes and reduced long-term re-innervation.
Implementation Method 1
using energy delivery elements like electrodes or cryotherapeutic cooling to disrupt parasympathetic motor sensory function
Implementation Method 2
using energy delivery elements like electrodes or cryotherapeutic cooling to disrupt parasympathetic motor sensory function
Data Source
AI summary
Devices for therapeutic nasal neuromodulation and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A system for therapeutic neuromodulation in a nasal region configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, a shaft and a therapeutic element at a distal portion of the shaft. The shaft can locate the distal portion intraluminally at a target site inferior to a patient's sphenopalatine foramen. The therapeutic element can include an energy delivery element configured to therapeutically modulate postganglionic parasympathetic nerves at microforamina of a palatine bone of the human patient for the treatment of rhinitis or other indications. In other embodiments, the therapeutic element can be configured to therapeutically modulate nerves that innervate the frontal, ethmoidal, sphenoidal, and maxillary sinuses for the treatment of chronic sinusitis.