| 摘要 |
The invention provides apparatus and a method for ablating at least a portion of an anterior part of the inferior nasal concha (turbinate). A catheter having a porous membrane coupled to a source of an exudable substance is disposed near the turbinate, whereby the exudable substance is emitted from the catheter and contacts the turbinate. An electrode is disposed near the turbinate, whereby the exudable substance aids the electrode in delivering ablating energy to the turbinate. The exudable substance is preferably a dielectric substance, such as saline, which aids in delivery of energy, and may include substances with other bioactive, chemoactive, or radioactive effects. The energy delivered to the turbinate is preferably RF energy which ablates the turbinate by heat and cell destruction. The catheter is preferably coupled to an energy source which provides energy delivered to the turbinate. The catheter preferably includes at least one sensor, such as a temperature sensor, and a communication link coupling the sensor to apparatus which controls the energy source, whereby feedback from the sensor is used to control operation of the energy source. The catheter may include a lumen which delivers the exudable substance to the porous membrane. The porous membrane may be microporous, or may include holes which allow the exudable substance to flow out from the catheter.
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