Nasal Valve Tissue Reshaping for Less Invasive Airflow Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for treating nasal airflow inadequacy, such as surgical interventions and external nasal dilators, are invasive, uncomfortable, and unsightly, and there is a need for non-invasive and minimally invasive solutions to improve nasal airflow and reduce resistance.
Innovation Solution
Devices and methods that deliver energy, such as RF, ultrasound, or laser, to reshape, remodel, or strengthen nasal tissues, including the skin, muscle, mucosa, and cartilage, without surgical incisions or implants, using energy delivery elements or reshaping elements to alter the conformation of the nasal valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If surgical interventions are used to treat nasal airflow inadequacy, then nasal airflow is improved, but the treatment becomes invasive and requires surgical incisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical surgical incisions with energy-based treatment elements (RF electrodes, ultrasound transducers, laser sources) that can be delivered through minimally invasive catheters to reshape nasal tissues without traditional surgical cuts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses energy delivery elements (electrodes, transducers, optical fibers) as intermediaries to transmit energy through the tissue to achieve reshaping, avoiding direct mechanical disruption of tissue that characterizes traditional surgery
2Productivity
If external nasal dilators are used to improve nasal airflow, then airflow resistance is reduced, but the device becomes uncomfortable and unsightly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the treatment function from external devices and places it inside the nasal cavity through minimally invasive catheters, eliminating the need for external components that cause discomfort and cosmetic issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical external dilators with energy-based treatment that reshapes tissues internally, eliminating the need for external mechanical forces applied through uncomfortable devices
3Productivity
If traditional surgical methods are used to reshape nasal structures, then nasal airflow is improved, but the treatment requires implants or surgical incisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for implants by using energy-based tissue reshaping that achieves permanent structural changes without requiring foreign bodies to be left in place
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex surgical procedures with simpler energy delivery through catheters, reducing operational complexity while maintaining treatment effectiveness
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 methods effectively decrease airflow resistance and improve nasal airflow by reshaping nasal structures, providing a comfortable and less invasive alternative to traditional treatments.
Implementation Method 1
Devices and methods that deliver energy, such as RF, ultrasound, or laser, to reshape, remodel, or strengthen nasal tissues
Implementation Method 2
Devices and methods that deliver energy, such as RF, ultrasound, or laser, to reshape, remodel, or strengthen nasal tissues
Implementation Method 3
Devices and methods that deliver energy, such as RF, ultrasound, or laser, to reshape, remodel, or strengthen nasal tissues
Data Source
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.