PRESSURE SENSITIVE TISSUE TREATMENT DEVICE

摘要

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.

主权项

1. A device for treating a patient's nasal airway to reduce airway resistance, the device comprising:
an elongate, rigid shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and defining a longitudinal axis; a handle at the proximal end of the elongate shaft; an elongate treatment element extending from the distal end of the elongate shaft, the treatment element having a front tissue-contact surface and a length that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, wherein the front tissue-contact surface comprises a shallow convex shape defining a curve that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft; at least two non-penetrating, bipolar, radiofrequency electrodes protruding from the front tissue-contact surface of the treatment element; and a force control member coupled with the front tissue-contact surface of the treatment element and configured to facilitate requiring a minimum amount of force to be applied against tissue in the nasal airway by the front tissue-contact surface before the radiofrequency electrodes are activated.