APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATING RHINITIS

摘要

Devices and methods for treating rhinitis are described where the devices are configured to ablate a single nerve branch or multiple nerve branches of the posterior nasal nerves located within the nasal cavity. A surgical probe may be inserted into the sub-mucosal space of a lateral nasal wall and advanced towards a posterior nasal nerve associated with a middle nasal turbinate or an inferior nasal turbinate into a position proximate to the posterior nasal nerve where neuroablation of the posterior nasal nerve may be performed with the surgical probe. The probe device may utilize a visible light beacon that provides trans-illumination of the sub-mucosal tissue or an expandable structure disposed in the vicinity of the distal end of the probe shaft to enable the surgeon to visualize the sub-mucosal position of the distal end of the surgical probe from inside the nasal cavity using, e.g., an endoscope.

主权项

1. A surgical probe configured for sub-mucosal neuroablation of a posterior nasal nerve associated with a middle nasal turbinate, or an inferior nasal turbinate, comprising:
a surgical probe shaft comprising an elongated hollow structure with a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the surgical probe shaft is sized for insertion into and advancement within a sub-mucosal space of a lateral nasal wall from within a nasal cavity; a handle coupled to the proximal end; a neuroablation agent delivery mechanism disposed on the distal end; and an optical beacon disposed in a vicinity of the distal end, wherein the optical beacon provides an indication of a position of the distal end within the nasal cavity when visualized.