Therapeutic Nasal Neuromodulation With Segmented RF Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical procedures for treating rhinitis, such as thermal energy delivery and microdebrider resection, are inaccurate and cause significant collateral damage, and existing pharmacotherapies have limited efficacy and undesirable side effects.
Innovation Solution
A handheld device with a multi-stage end effector and ergonomic handle that provides precise control and feedback, allowing for minimally invasive treatment by targeting specific neural structures within the nasal cavity using RF thermal energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal energy delivery or microdebrider resection is used to treat rhinitis, then nasal airflow is improved, but significant collateral damage occurs and the treatment is inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is divided into multiple independently controllable segments that can be deployed sequentially to different target sites within the nasal cavity. This segmentation allows precise targeting of specific neural structures while avoiding adjacent tissues, thereby improving treatment accuracy and reducing collateral damage compared to conventional thermal energy delivery or microdebrider resection methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The device delivers RF thermal energy locally to specific target sites where neural structures are located, rather than applying thermal energy broadly to the entire nasal cavity. The multi-segment end effector enables localized energy application at precise anatomical locations, improving treatment accuracy while minimizing collateral damage to surrounding tissues.
2Ease of operation
If conventional surgical procedures are used to improve nasal airflow, then congestion is addressed, but the procedures are inaccurate and cause significant collateral damage
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector features dynamically deployable segments that can be extended or retracted based on the anatomical configuration of the patient's nasal cavity. This dynamic capability allows the operator to precisely position each segment at the appropriate target site, improving both ease of operation and targeting accuracy compared to static conventional surgical instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates feedback mechanisms that provide real-time information to the operator about the position and deployment status of the end effector segments. This feedback enables precise control and adjustment during the procedure, allowing the operator to achieve accurate targeting while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If pharmacotherapies are used for rhinitis treatment, then symptoms are managed, but efficacy is limited and side effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts and selectively interrupts neural signals at their source within the nasal cavity, rather than attempting to manage symptoms systemically through pharmacotherapy. By directly targeting the neural structures that mediate rhinitis symptoms, the device achieves superior treatment efficacy while avoiding the side effects associated with long-term medication use.
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
Accurate, minimally invasive treatment of rhinitis conditions with immediate symptom relief, reducing the risk of collateral damage and the need for long-term pharmacotherapies.
Implementation Method 1
delivering RF thermal energy to one or more target sites within the nasal cavity
Implementation Method 2
application of energy to one or more target sites within the nasal cavity
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.