Methods and devices to treat nasal airways

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 by reshaping the nasal airway without using a surgical incision, implant or needle, the device comprising:
an elongate, rigid shaft having a first width, a proximal end and a distal end, and defining a longitudinal axis; a handle at the proximal end of the elongate shaft; and an elongate treatment element extending from the distal end of the elongate shaft, the elongate treatment element having a second width that is larger than the first width, an elongate front tissue-contact surface, a back surface, and a length that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft; and two rows of non-penetrating, bipolar, radiofrequency electrodes protruding from the elongate front tissue-contact surface of the elongate treatment element, wherein the elongate front tissue-contact surface comprises a shallow convex shape defining a curve that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft and that is configured to mechanically press laterally against the nasal tissue to be treated to reshape a region of the patient's nasal airway to a new conformation.