Systems and methods for therapeutic nasal treatment using handheld device
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Publication Number
US-12096973-B1
Publication Date
2024-09-24
Expiration Date
Abstract
The invention generally relates to systems and methods for improving sleep by treating at least one of rhinitis, congestion, and/or rhinorrhea to thereby reduce or eliminate symptoms associated therewith, including, but not limited to, nasal congestion, coughing, sneezing, and nasal or throat irritation and itching.
Core Innovation
The invention describes a method for treating at least one of rhinitis, congestion, and rhinorrhea within a sino-nasal cavity of a patient by advancing a multi-electrode end effector into the sino-nasal cavity. The multi-electrode end effector is operably associated with a shaft of a treatment device and is configured for delivering energy to one or more target sites within the sino-nasal cavity. The multi-electrode end effector includes a plurality of electrodes that extend beyond the surface of the shaft and are oriented at an angle less than 90 degrees relative to the shaft for the delivery of RF energy.
At least first and second electrodes are exposed at discrete portions on the multi-electrode end effector and extend outward in respective directions to interact with anatomy at respective locations within the nasal cavity. Energy is delivered via the first and second electrodes to disrupt multiple neural signals to mucus producing and/or mucosal engorgement elements. This disruption reduces production of mucus and/or mucosal engorgement within a nose of the patient and reduces or eliminates one or more symptoms associated with at least one of rhinitis, congestion, and rhinorrhea to improve nasal breathability of the patient.
In one formulation, the multi-electrode end effector includes at least six electrodes, and in another formulation includes at least eight electrodes, with outwardly oriented exposed electrodes positioned at discrete portions. The disclosed approach also includes console-based control aspects, including temperature sensors at or relative to tissue interface and control of energy output based on feedback.
A console unit is described as receiving temperature feedback and controlling energy output from the electrodes to maintain a predetermined temperature of tissue at one or more target sites, including maintaining tissue temperature below a predetermined threshold. The console unit is also described as connected to the multi-electrode end effector through a substantially rigid shaft and a hollow cavity containing wires coupling the electrodes to the console unit, with an outer sheath and a hypotube.
Claims Coverage
Two independent method claims are directed to treating rhinitis, congestion, and/or rhinorrhea by delivering RF energy from multiple outwardly oriented exposed electrodes to disrupt neural signals associated with mucus production and/or mucosal engorgement. Across the two independent claims, the key inventive coverage includes electrode geometry, discrete exposed electrode portions with outward directions, and disruption of multiple neural signals to reduce mucus and/or mucosal engorgement to improve nasal breathability.
Outwardly oriented multi-electrode end effector with exposed discrete electrodes for RF delivery
Advancing a multi-electrode end effector into the sino-nasal cavity, wherein the multi-electrode end effector comprises a plurality of electrodes extending beyond a surface of the shaft and oriented at an angle less than 90 degrees relative to the shaft for delivery of RF energy, with the plurality comprising at least a first electrode and a second electrode exposed from the surface at discrete portions and extending in respective outward directions to interact with anatomy at respective locations.
Disrupting multiple neural signals to mucus producing and/or mucosal engorgement elements
Delivering energy via the first and second electrodes to one or more target sites within the sino-nasal cavity to disrupt multiple neural signals to mucus producing and/or mucosal engorgement elements, thereby reducing production of mucus and/or mucosal engorgement within a nose and reducing or eliminating one or more symptoms associated with at least one of rhinitis, congestion, and rhinorrhea to improve nasal breathability.
At least six electrodes extending beyond the shaft for RF delivery
The method wherein the plurality of electrodes comprises at least six electrodes extending beyond the surface of the shaft and oriented at an angle less than 90 degrees relative to the shaft for the delivery of RF energy.
At least eight electrodes extending beyond the shaft for RF delivery
The method wherein the plurality of electrodes comprises at least eight electrodes extending beyond the surface of the shaft and oriented at an angle less than 90 degrees relative to the shaft for the delivery of RF energy.
Overall, the independent claims cover a method that advances a multi-electrode end effector into a sino-nasal cavity and delivers RF energy through outwardly oriented exposed electrodes positioned at discrete portions to interact with nasal anatomy. The delivered energy is used to disrupt multiple neural signals associated with mucus production and/or mucosal engorgement, thereby reducing mucus/mucosal engorgement and associated symptoms to improve nasal breathability. The two independent claims further differ by requiring at least six electrodes in one and at least eight electrodes in the other.
Stated Advantages
Reduces production of mucus and/or mucosal engorgement within a nose.
Reduces or eliminates one or more symptoms associated with at least one of rhinitis, congestion, and rhinorrhea.
Improves nasal breathability of the patient.
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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