Nasal Valve Reshaping With Energy Delivery for Airflow Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for treating nasal airflow resistance, such as surgical interventions and external nasal dilators, are invasive, uncomfortable, and unsightly, while non-invasive solutions are lacking for improving nasal airflow in both normal and abnormal nasal anatomies.

Innovation Solution

Devices and methods that deliver energy or apply mechanical forces to reshape, remodel, or strengthen nasal tissues, including the use of energy delivery elements like electrodes and mechanical reshaping elements, to alter the conformation of nasal valves without surgery, using RF, ultrasound, or other energy forms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If surgical interventions are used to treat nasal airflow resistance, then nasal airflow is improved, but the treatment becomes invasive and carries surgical risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenasal airflowVSAvoidinvasiveness and surgical risks

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces surgical mechanical intervention with a non-invasive energy delivery system. An applicator device delivers electromagnetic energy (RF, microwave, or ultrasound) through the nasal tissue to heat and remodel the cartilage, substituting surgical cutting and restructuring with thermal energy-based tissue modification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an energy delivery applicator as an intermediary between the treatment goal and the nasal tissue. The applicator contains energy delivery elements (electrodes or transducers) that transfer electromagnetic energy through the tissue without requiring surgical incisions, acting as a non-invasive mediator to achieve cartilage remodeling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If external nasal dilators are used to improve nasal airflow, then airflow resistance is reduced, but the devices are uncomfortable and unsightly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenasal airflowVSAvoidcomfort and aesthetics

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the treatment function from external mechanical dilators and relocates it internally to an energy delivery applicator. Instead of using external devices that physically pull or prop open the nasal valves (causing discomfort and visible distortion), the energy delivery system applies thermal energy directly to the cartilage to strengthen it from within, eliminating the need for external mechanical support structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical action of external dilators with an energy-based thermal treatment. Rather than using physical force to hold the nasal valves open, the system uses electromagnetic energy to heat and remodel the cartilage, creating a permanent structural improvement without requiring continuous external mechanical support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If non-invasive treatments are used for nasal airflow, then comfort is improved, but effective treatment options are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient comfortVSAvoidtreatment effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the nasal cartilage through controlled thermal energy delivery. By delivering electromagnetic energy at specific power levels and durations, the system heats the cartilage to temperatures that induce collagen denaturation and remodeling, permanently altering the cartilage's mechanical properties to reduce nasal valve collapse and improve airflow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic or pulsed energy delivery to achieve cumulative thermal effects. The energy delivery elements can be activated in pulses or cycles, allowing controlled heating that builds up thermal energy in the tissue over time to reach the desired remodeling temperature while preventing excessive heat damage through intermittent application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Non-invasive treatment of nasal airways improves airflow resistance and perceived nasal congestion by reshaping nasal structures, offering a comfortable and effective alternative to invasive procedures.

Implementation Method 1

The treatment element is configured to reshape a region of the nose to a new conformation and comprises an electrode configured to deliver radiofrequency (RF) energy to the nasal tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiofrequency heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

using RF, ultrasound, or other energy forms

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS12369966B2Methods and devices to treat nasal airways

Publication Date: 2025.07.29 AERIN MEDICAL INC

AI summary

Methods and devices for treating nasal airways are provided. Such devices and methods may improve airflow through an internal and/or external nasal valve, and comprise the use of mechanical re-shaping, energy application and other treatments to modify the shape, structure, and/or air flow characteristics of an internal nasal valve, an external nasal valve or other nasal airways.