Apparatus and methods for treating rhinitis
US9687288B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 30, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jun 27, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 17, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N2007/003
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for treating conditions such as rhinitis are disclosed herein where a distal end of a probe shaft is introduced through the nasal cavity where the distal end has an end effector with a first configuration having a low-profile which is shaped to manipulate tissue within the nasal cavity. The distal end may be positioned into proximity of a tissue region having a post nasal nerve associated with a middle or inferior nasal turbinate. Once suitably positioned, the distal end may be reconfigured from the first configuration to a second configuration which is shaped to contact and follow the tissue region and the post nasal nerve may then be ablated via the distal end. Ablation may be performed using various mechanisms, such as cryotherapy, and optionally under direct visualization.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.