Nasal Valve Radiofrequency Device for Airflow Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for improving nasal airflow are invasive, uncomfortable, and unsightly, failing to effectively address nasal valve dysfunction and resistance issues without causing skin irritation or requiring frequent device replacement.
Innovation Solution
Non-invasive and minimally invasive devices and systems that deliver energy, such as radiofrequency, ultrasound, or heat, to reshape and remodel nasal tissues, including the skin, muscle, mucosa, and cartilage, to reduce airflow resistance and improve nasal breathing by reshaping the nasal valve area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If invasive surgical methods are used to treat nasal valve dysfunction, then airflow resistance is reduced, but patient comfort and cosmetic appearance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical surgical interventions with non-invasive energy delivery systems. Radiofrequency, ultrasound, or heat energy is delivered through applicators that reshape nasal tissues without surgical incisions, thereby reducing airflow resistance while maintaining patient comfort and avoiding the harmful effects of invasive procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and properties of nasal tissues by applying controlled energy parameters (temperature, frequency, power). This enables tissue remodeling and reshaping of the nasal valve area to reduce airflow resistance without the need for invasive mechanical surgery that would compromise patient comfort
2Reliability
If frequent device replacement is required, then treatment effectiveness is maintained, but treatment time and inconvenience increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies energy delivery parameters that exceed the minimum threshold for effective tissue remodeling in a single session. By delivering sufficient energy to achieve complete tissue reshaping and collagen denaturation in one treatment, the system eliminates the need for frequent follow-up sessions, thereby maintaining treatment effectiveness while reducing total treatment time
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates lasting tissue remodeling effects through continuous energy delivery that permanently alters tissue structure. The reshaped nasal valve and remodeled tissues maintain their improved state over extended periods, providing continuous airflow improvement without requiring repeated interventions
3Object-affected harmful factors
If energy delivery is applied to reshape nasal tissues, then nasal breathing is improved, but tissue damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent precisely controls energy delivery parameters (temperature, power, duration, frequency) to achieve tissue remodeling at safe temperature ranges. By maintaining energy parameters within controlled thresholds, the system reshapes nasal tissues to improve breathing while preventing excessive heat damage, necrosis, or unwanted side effects
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses tissue-applicator interfaces that mediate between the delivered energy and nasal tissues. These applicators distribute energy uniformly and control the interaction between energy and tissue, ensuring effective reshaping while preventing localized overheating or damage to surrounding structures
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
These devices effectively decrease airflow resistance and improve nasal breathing by reshaping the nasal valve, providing a comfortable and long-lasting solution without the need for surgical incisions or implants, thus enhancing the quality of life for patients with nasal obstruction symptoms.
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
Implementation Method 2
Non-invasive and minimally invasive devices and systems that deliver energy, such as radiofrequency, ultrasound, or heat, to reshape and remodel nasal tissues
Implementation Method 3
devices and systems that deliver energy, such as radiofrequency, ultrasound, or heat, to reshape and remodel nasal tissues
Data Source
AI summary
A device is described for treating a nasal airway by modifying a property of a nasal tissue of or near a nasal valve of the airway, without using a surgical incision or an implant, to decrease airflow resistance or perceived airflow resistance in the nasal airway. Various embodiments include an elongate shaft, a bipolar radiofrequency delivery member extending from one end of the shaft, and a handle attached to the elongate shaft at an opposite end from the radiofrequency delivery member. The radiofrequency delivery member is sized to be inserted into a nose and configured to at least temporarily deform the nasal tissue and deliver radiofrequency energy. The radiofrequency delivery member includes two rows of protruding electrodes disposed on a tissue contact surface, and the device is configured to deliver radiofrequency energy from one row of electrodes to the other row of electrodes.