# US 12,594,116 B2 · Method for treating chronic rhinitis

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 12,594,116 B2
- Document ID: US12594116B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 17/872,770
- Filed: 2022-07-25
- Published: 2023-02-02
- Granted: 2026-04-07
- Earliest claimed: 2021-07-28
- Assignees: Olympus Winter & Ibe GmbH
- Applicants: Olympus Winter & Ibe GmbH
- Inventors: Claudia Alexandra Bohnsack
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12594116B2

## CPC

- A61B 18/1485: {having a short rigid shaft for accessing the inner body through natural openings}
- A61B 2018/00327: {Ear, nose or throat}
- A61B 2018/00434: {Neural system}
- A61B 2018/00875: {Resistance or impedance}
- A61B 2018/1253: {monopolar}
- A61B 2018/126: {bipolar}
- A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D)

## Abstract

A method for treating patients who suffer from chronic rhinitis that is efficient and causes fewer adverse effects than known methods. This is achieved by using a handheld surgical instrument, more particularly an electrosurgical applicator, for treatment of hypertrophic nasal conchae and/or for submucosal treatment of the posterior nasal nerve (PNN) in order to reduce at least one cardinal symptom of chronic rhinitis.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method for treating chronic rhinitis with an electrosurgical HF or RF applicator comprising two electrodes supplied with HF or RF energy via an appropriate generator, the method comprising:
performing a treatment submucosally;
coagulating tissue with the electrosurgical HF or RF applicator, the electrosurgical HF or RF applicator being one of a monopolar electrosurgical HF or RF applicator and a bipolar electrosurgical HF or RF applicator;
generating thermal energy within the tissue by applying one of a HF or a RF field between the two electrodes;
starting the treatment at a posterior end of an inferior nasal concha, at which a posterior nasal nerve is also located, to treat uncontrolled nasal discharge;
continuing the treatment as the electrosurgical HF or RF applicator is pulled out along an entire length of the inferior nasal concha, to treat nasal congestion, such that the treatment of the uncontrolled nasal discharge and the nasal congestion is performed in a single treatment step using the electrosurgical HF or RF applicator; and
monitoring progress of the treatment via impedance feedback, wherein the posterior end of the inferior nasal concha is supplied with HF or RF energy to an increased extent in order to damage the posterior nasal nerve.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The method for treating the chronic rhinitis according to claim 1, wherein the treatment of a hypertrophic nasal concha is carried out over the entire length of the inferior nasal concha.