Device and methods of laser treatment for rhinitis
There is provided a process for treatment of rhinitis by diode laser ablation of the posterior nasal nerves. The laser diode delivery device with elongated optic tip is inserted through a patient's nostril and has the length, flexibility and a curvature to reach both above and under the patient's middle turbinate for treatment to both posterior nasal nerves. Skin and tissue temperature is raised to approximately 60-65° C. with the process. Optimal treatment wavelength was found to be approximately 380-450 nanometers with blue lasers.
1. A process for the treatment of rhinitis by laser ablation of posterior nasal nerves comprising:
ablating the posterior nasal nerves by a diode laser delivery device with an elongated clear fiber tip, said posterior nasal nerves located above and below a middle turbinate;
said diode laser delivery device inserted into an area of tissue near said middle turbinate;
said laser diode laser delivery device operating at approximately 380 to 450 nanometers;
heating said tissue to approximately 60 to 65 degrees Celsius;
positioning said tip of said diode laser delivery device at a position above said middle turbinate;
ablating lateral posterior superior branches of said posterior nasal nerves;
positioning said tip of said diode laser delivery device at a position below said middle turbinate;
ablating lateral posterior inferior branches of said posterior nasal nerves.
2. The process according to claim 1 , wherein said fiber tip of said diode laser delivery device is malleable.
3. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the fiber tip of said diode laser delivery device is adjustable and capable of configuration to anatomical differences.
4. The process according to claim 1 , wherein said fiber tip is disposable.
5. The process according to claim 1 , wherein said diode laser delivery device is re-usable.
6. The process according to claim 1 , wherein said diode laser delivery device is disposable.
7. The process according to claim 6 , wherein said fiber tip is connected to said disposable diode laser delivery device by removable means.
8. The process according to claim 1 , wherein said diode laser delivery device includes a disposable sheath to cover said diode laser delivery device.
9. The process according to claim 1 further comprising selectively ablating blood vessels with a blue laser in a non-contact coagulation mode.
10. The process according to claim 1 wherein said laser diode delivery device operating at approximately 380 to 450 nanometers further comprises an optical filter placed between a camera and an endoscope which are connected to said laser diode delivery device.
11. The process according to claim 1 wherein said laser diode delivery device includes a GaN diode.