IP Library › Granted Patent US 12,357,378
Granted Patent B2
US 12,357,378 · App. 18/458,458 · Granted Jul 15, 2025

Treating upper airway nerve tissue

Inventors: Scott J. Wolf (Menlo Park, CA); Andrew Frazier (Sunnyvale, CA)
Assignee: Aerin Medical Inc.
A61B18/1485A61B18/02A61B18/082A61B18/1442A61B18/16A61B18/1815A61B18/20A61F5/08A61M25/0084A61M25/10A61N7/022A61B2018/00005A61B2018/00023A61B2018/0022A61B2018/00327A61B2018/00577A61B2018/00595A61B2018/00702A61B2018/00821A61B2018/00922A61B2018/00994A61B2018/0225A61B2018/0293A61B2018/1425A61B2018/143A61B2018/1869A61M2025/0091A61M2025/105
View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,357,378
App. No.
18/458,458
Granted
Jul 15, 2025
Kind
B2
Abstract

Systems and methods for treating a patient's mucus hypersecretion condition are disclosed herein. Certain implementations may involve a method for reducing mucus secretion in an upper airway of a patient to treat at least one of post nasal drip or chronic cough. The method may include advancing a treatment delivery portion of an energy-based treatment device into a nostril of the patient. The treatment delivery portion may contact mucosal tissue of the upper airway without piercing the mucosal tissue. The treatment delivery portion may deliver treatment to at least one tissue selected from the group of the mucosal tissue and another tissue underlying the mucosal tissue to modify a property of the at least one tissue and thus treat at least one of post nasal drip or chronic cough in the patient.

Claims (26)

1. A device for treating a target tissue in a nasal airway of a patient, the device comprising:

a handle;

a shaft extending from a distal end of the handle;

at least one treatment element extending from a distal end of the shaft, wherein the at least one treatment element is sized to pass through a nostril of the patient; and

at least two rows of microneedle electrodes with each row having multiple microneedle electrodes, each row of the at least two rows being disposed longitudinally along a surface of the at least one treatment element to allow the at least two rows of microneedles electrodes to puncture the target tissue to apply a treatment at a predetermined tissue depth to reach mucus producing cells in the nasal airway.

2. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a cable attached to a proximal end of the handle for connecting the handle to a source of radiofrequency energy.

3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the at least two rows of microneedle electrodes comprises multiple bipolar electrode pairs, and wherein each of the multiple bipolar electrode pairs has a separate, controlled channel, configured to allow different regions of the at least one treatment element to be activated separately to allow for accurate temperature control and precise targeting of tissue.

4. The device of claim 3 , wherein the device is configured to select one or more of the multiple bipolar electrode pairs and separately deliver radiofrequency energy between the one or more selected bipolar electrode pairs.

5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the at least two rows of microneedle electrodes comprises radiofrequency electrodes, wherein the device further comprises a control system including a radiofrequency energy source, and wherein the handle further comprises a cable for attaching to the control system.

6. The device of claim 5 , wherein the control system is configured to control one or more characteristics of radiofrequency energy delivered to the at least two rows of microneedle electrodes.

7. The device of claim 6 , wherein the control system comprises a sensor configured to sense impedance of nasal tissue between multiple pairs of electrodes of the at least two rows of microneedle electrodes.

8. The device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one treatment element comprises one elongate, flat, rigid treatment element with one treatment surface on which the at least two rows of microneedle electrodes is located.

9. The device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one treatment element comprises multiple expandable members, and wherein each of the multiple expandable members includes at least one row of the at least two rows of microneedle electrodes.

10. A device for treating a target tissue in a nasal airway of a patient, the device comprising:

a handle;

a shaft extending from a distal end of the handle;

at least one treatment element extending from a distal end of the shaft, wherein the at least one treatment element is sized to pass through a nostril of the patient; and

a plurality of rows of microneedle electrodes, wherein each of the plurality of rows comprises a plurality of microneedle electrodes disposed longitudinally along a surface of the at least one treatment element to allow the plurality of microneedle electrodes to puncture the target tissue to apply a treatment at a predetermined tissue depth to reach mucus producing cells in the nasal airway.

11. The device of claim 10 , wherein the plurality of microneedle electrodes comprises multiple bipolar electrode pairs, and wherein each of the multiple bipolar electrode pairs has a separate, controlled channel, configured to allow different regions of the at least one treatment element to be activated separately to allow for accurate temperature control and precise targeting of tissue.

12. The device of claim 11 , wherein the device is configured to select one or more of the multiple bipolar electrode pairs and separately deliver radiofrequency energy between the one or more selected bipolar electrode pairs.

13. The device of claim 10 , wherein the plurality of microneedle electrodes comprises radiofrequency electrodes, wherein the device further comprises a control system including a radiofrequency energy source, and wherein the handle further comprises a cable for attaching to the control system.

14. The device of claim 13 , wherein the control system is configured to control one or more characteristics of radiofrequency energy delivered to the plurality of microneedle electrodes.

15. The device of claim 13 , wherein the control system comprises sensor configured to sense impedance of nasal tissue between multiple pairs of electrodes of the plurality of microneedle electrodes.

16. The device of claim 10 , wherein the at least one treatment element comprises one elongate, flat, rigid treatment element with one treatment surface on which the plurality of microneedle electrodes is located.

17. The device of claim 10 , wherein the at least one treatment element comprises multiple expandable members, and wherein each of the multiple expandable members includes at least one row of the plurality of rows of microneedle electrodes.

18. The device of claim 10 , further comprising a cable attached to a proximal end of the handle for connecting the handle to a source of radiofrequency energy.

Assignments (2)
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Dec 20, 2024
From: AERIN MEDICAL INC.
To: ARES CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 069746/0508 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Aug 30, 2023
From: WOLF, SCOTT J.; FRAZIER, ANDREW
To: AERIN MEDICAL INC.
Reel/Frame 064753/0416 →
Continuity (12)
Continuation 17654531 · Mar 11, 2022
Continuation 16815717 · Mar 11, 2020
Continuation 15952985 · Apr 13, 2018
Continuation 15596195 · May 16, 2017
Continuation 15215762 · Jul 21, 2016
Continuation 14675689 · Mar 31, 2015
Continuation In Part 14319087 · Jun 30, 2014
Continuation In Part 13495844 · Jun 13, 2012
Provisional Application 61974534 · Apr 3, 2014
Provisional Application 61603864 · Feb 27, 2012
Provisional Application 61496930 · Jun 14, 2011
Related Publication 20240050148A1 · Feb 15, 2024
References Cited (400)
US 874178A · DeForest · 1907 [cited by applicant]
US 3117571A · Fry et al. · 1964 [cited by applicant]
US 3538919A · Meyer · 1970 [cited by applicant]
US 3941121A · Olinger et al. · 1976 [cited by applicant]
US 4074718A · Morrison · 1978 [cited by applicant]
US 4271848A · Turner et al. · 1981 [cited by applicant]
US 4411266A · Cosman · 1983 [cited by applicant]
US 4887605A · Angelsen et al. · 1989 [cited by applicant]
US 5255679A · Imran · 1993 [cited by applicant]
US 5348008A · Bornn et al. · 1994 [cited by applicant]
US 5505730A · Edwards · 1996 [cited by applicant]
US 5507725A · Savage et al. · 1996 [cited by applicant]
US 5533499A · Johnson · 1996 [cited by applicant]
US 5542916A · Hirsch et al. · 1996 [cited by applicant]
US 5562720A · Stern et al. · 1996 [cited by applicant]
US 5575788A · Baker et al. · 1996 [cited by applicant]
US 5611798A · Eggers · 1997 [cited by applicant]
US 5624439A · Edwards et al. · 1997 [cited by applicant]
US 5674191A · Edwards et al. · 1997 [cited by applicant]
US 5697536A · Eggers et al. · 1997 [cited by applicant]
US 5707349A · Edwards · 1998 [cited by applicant]
US 5718702A · Edwards · 1998 [cited by applicant]
US 5728094A · Edwards · 1998 [cited by applicant]
US 5730719A · Edwards · 1998 [cited by applicant]
US 5733280A · Avitall · 1998 [cited by applicant]
US 5738114A · Edwards · 1998 [cited by applicant]
US 5743870A · Edwards · 1998 [cited by applicant]
US 5743904A · Edwards · 1998 [cited by applicant]
US 5746224A · Edwards · 1998 [cited by applicant]
US 5766153A · Eggers et al. · 1998 [cited by applicant]
US 5766605A · Sanders et al. · 1998 [cited by applicant]
US 5800429A · Edwards · 1998 [cited by applicant]
US 5807306A · Shapland et al. · 1998 [cited by applicant]
US 5816095A · Nordell, II et al. · 1998 [cited by applicant]
US 5817049A · Edwards · 1998 [cited by applicant]
US 5820580A · Edwards et al. · 1998 [cited by applicant]
US 5823197A · Edwards · 1998 [cited by applicant]
US 5827277A · Edwards · 1998 [cited by applicant]
US 5843021A · Edwards · 1998 [cited by applicant]
US 5843077A · Edwards et al. · 1998 [cited by applicant]
US 5846235A · Pasricha et al. · 1998 [cited by applicant]
US 5879349A · Edwards · 1999 [cited by applicant]
US 5891134A · Goble et al. · 1999 [cited by applicant]
US 5938659A · Tu et al. · 1999 [cited by applicant]
US 5944715A · Goble · 1999 [cited by applicant]
US 6033397A · Laufer et al. · 2000 [cited by applicant]
US 6045549A · Smethers et al. · 2000 [cited by applicant]
US 6096033A · Tu et al. · 2000 [cited by applicant]
US 6102907A · Smethers et al. · 2000 [cited by applicant]
US 6106520A · Laufer et al. · 2000 [cited by applicant]
US 6109268A · Thapliyal et al. · 2000 [cited by applicant]
US 6126657A · Edwards et al. · 2000 [cited by applicant]
US 6131579A · Thorson et al. · 2000 [cited by applicant]
US 6139546A · Koenig et al. · 2000 [cited by applicant]
US 6152143A · Edwards · 2000 [cited by applicant]
US 6165173A · Kamdar et al. · 2000 [cited by applicant]
US 6179803B1 · Edwards et al. · 2001 [cited by applicant]
US 6210355B1 · Edwards et al. · 2001 [cited by applicant]
US 6228079B1 · Koenig · 2001 [cited by applicant]
US 6231569B1 · Bek et al. · 2001 [cited by applicant]
US 6238394B1 · Garito · 2001 [cited by examiner]
US 6273886B1 · Edwards et al. · 2001 [cited by applicant]
US 6273907B1 · Laufer · 2001 [cited by applicant]
US 6293941B1 · Strul et al. · 2001 [cited by applicant]
US 6309386B1 · Bek · 2001 [cited by applicant]
US 6371926B1 · Thorson et al. · 2002 [cited by applicant]
US 6383181B1 · Johnston et al. · 2002 [cited by applicant]
US 6391028B1 · Fanton et al. · 2002 [cited by applicant]
US 6405732B1 · Edwards et al. · 2002 [cited by applicant]
US 6416491B1 · Edwards et al. · 2002 [cited by applicant]
US 6416505B1 · Fleischman et al. · 2002 [cited by applicant]
US 6425151B2 · Barnett · 2002 [cited by applicant]
US 6431174B1 · Knudson et al. · 2002 [cited by applicant]
US 6451013B1 · Bays et al. · 2002 [cited by applicant]
US 6502574B2 · Stevens et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]
US 6517534B1 · McGovern et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]
US 6517535B2 · Edwards · 2003 [cited by applicant]
US 6551310B1 · Ganz et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]
US 6562036B1 · Ellman et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]
US 6575969B1 · Rittman et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]
US 6589235B2 · Wong et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]
US 6640120B1 · Swanson et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]
US 6658279B2 · Swanson et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]
US 6659106B1 · Hovda et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]
US 6669689B2 · Lehmann et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]
US 6685648B2 · Flaherty et al. · 2004 [cited by applicant]
US 6896674B1 · Woloszko et al. · 2005 [cited by applicant]
US 6911027B1 · Edwards et al. · 2005 [cited by applicant]
US 6978781B1 · Jordan · 2005 [cited by applicant]
US 7055523B1 · Brown · 2006 [cited by applicant]
US 7097641B1 · Arless et al. · 2006 [cited by applicant]
US 7114495B2 · Lockwood, Jr. · 2006 [cited by applicant]
US 7322993B2 · Metzger et al. · 2008 [cited by applicant]
US 7361168B2 · Makower et al. · 2008 [cited by applicant]
US 7416550B2 · Protsenko et al. · 2008 [cited by applicant]
US 7442191B2 · Hovda et al. · 2008 [cited by applicant]
US 7572251B1 · Davison · 2009 [cited by examiner]
US 7628789B2 · Soltesz et al. · 2009 [cited by applicant]
US 7655243B2 · Deem et al. · 2010 [cited by applicant]
US 7678069B1 · Baker et al. · 2010 [cited by applicant]
US 7780730B2 · Saidi · 2010 [cited by applicant]
US 7824394B2 · Manstein · 2010 [cited by applicant]
US 7850683B2 · Elkins et al. · 2010 [cited by applicant]
US 7997278B2 · Utley et al. · 2011 [cited by applicant]
US 8088122B2 · Li et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 8114062B2 · Muni et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 8128617B2 · Bencini et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 8137345B2 · McNall, III et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 8317781B2 · Owens et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 8317782B1 · Ellman et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 8718786B2 · Shalev · 2014 [cited by applicant]
US 8936594B2 · Wolf et al. · 2015 [cited by applicant]
US 8939970B2 · Stone et al. · 2015 [cited by applicant]
US 8979841B2 · Kunis et al. · 2015 [cited by applicant]
US 8986301B2 · Wolf et al. · 2015 [cited by applicant]
US 9027597B2 · Kubo · 2015 [cited by applicant]
US 9072597B2 · Wolf et al. · 2015 [cited by applicant]
US 9125677B2 · Sobol et al. · 2015 [cited by applicant]
US 9179964B2 · Wolf et al. · 2015 [cited by applicant]
US 9179967B2 · Wolf et al. · 2015 [cited by applicant]
US 9237924B2 · Wolf et al. · 2016 [cited by applicant]
US 9247989B2 · Truckai · 2016 [cited by applicant]
US 9415194B2 · Wolf et al. · 2016 [cited by applicant]
US 9433463B2 · Wolf et al. · 2016 [cited by applicant]
US 9452010B2 · Wolf et al. · 2016 [cited by applicant]
US 9452087B2 · Holm et al. · 2016 [cited by applicant]
US 9486278B2 · Wolf et al. · 2016 [cited by applicant]
US 9526571B2 · Wolf et al. · 2016 [cited by applicant]
US D782657S · Williams · 2017 [cited by applicant]
US 9687288B2 · Saadat · 2017 [cited by applicant]
US 9687296B2 · Wolf et al. · 2017 [cited by applicant]
US 9763723B2 · Saadat · 2017 [cited by applicant]
US 9763743B2 · Lin et al. · 2017 [cited by applicant]
US 9770293B2 · Dresher · 2017 [cited by applicant]
US 9788886B2 · Wolf et al. · 2017 [cited by applicant]
US 9801752B2 · Wolf et al. · 2017 [cited by applicant]
US 9888957B2 · Wolf et al. · 2018 [cited by applicant]
US 9913682B2 · Wolf et al. · 2018 [cited by applicant]
US 9943361B2 · Wolf et al. · 2018 [cited by applicant]
US 10028780B2 · Wolf et al. · 2018 [cited by applicant]
US 10028781B2 · Saadat · 2018 [cited by applicant]
US 10265115B2 · Wolf et al. · 2019 [cited by applicant]
US 10307200B2 · Saadat · 2019 [cited by applicant]
US 10335221B2 · Wolf et al. · 2019 [cited by applicant]
US 10376300B2 · Wolf et al. · 2019 [cited by applicant]
US D860315S · Chen · 2019 [cited by applicant]
US 10398489B2 · Wolf et al. · 2019 [cited by applicant]
US 10456185B2 · Wolf et al. · 2019 [cited by applicant]
US 10456186B1 · Wolf et al. · 2019 [cited by applicant]
US 10470814B2 · Wolf et al. · 2019 [cited by applicant]
US 10485603B2 · Wolf et al. · 2019 [cited by applicant]
US 10603059B2 · Dinger et al. · 2020 [cited by applicant]
US D880694S · Ng et al. · 2020 [cited by applicant]
US D881904S · Angeles et al. · 2020 [cited by applicant]
US 10631925B2 · Wolf et al. · 2020 [cited by applicant]
US 10722282B2 · Wolf et al. · 2020 [cited by applicant]
US D897185S · Perkins, Jr. et al. · 2020 [cited by applicant]
US D897186S · Perkins, Jr. et al. · 2020 [cited by applicant]
US 10779873B2 · Wolf et al. · 2020 [cited by applicant]
US D904698S · Moeller et al. · 2020 [cited by applicant]
US D904852S · Levand et al. · 2020 [cited by applicant]
US D906782S · Brinson et al. · 2021 [cited by applicant]
US D910408S · Lin · 2021 [cited by applicant]
US D911140S · Hyma et al. · 2021 [cited by applicant]
US D911141S · Panosian et al. · 2021 [cited by applicant]
US 10932853B2 · Wolf et al. · 2021 [cited by applicant]
US 11033318B2 · Wolf et al. · 2021 [cited by applicant]
US D927687S · Stoklund et al. · 2021 [cited by applicant]
US 11116566B2 · Dinger et al. · 2021 [cited by applicant]
US 11241271B2 · Wolf et al. · 2022 [cited by applicant]
US 11304746B2 · Wolf et al. · 2022 [cited by applicant]
US 11457971B2 · Wolf et al. · 2022 [cited by applicant]
US 11759222B2 · Wolf et al. · 2023 [cited by applicant]
US 11766286B2 · Wolf et al. · 2023 [cited by applicant]
US 11801084B2 · Wolf et al. · 2023 [cited by applicant]
US 11832876B2 · Wolf et al. · 2023 [cited by applicant]
US 11883091B2 · Townley · 2024 [cited by applicant]
US 12053227B2 · Wolf et al. · 2024 [cited by applicant]
US 20020010460A1 · Joye et al. · 2002 [cited by applicant]
US 20020016588A1 · Wong et al. · 2002 [cited by applicant]
US 20020035361A1 · Houser · 2002 [cited by applicant]
US 20020049464A1 · Donofrio et al. · 2002 [cited by applicant]
US 20020087155A1 · Underwood et al. · 2002 [cited by applicant]
US 20020120259A1 · Lettice et al. · 2002 [cited by applicant]
US 20020128641A1 · Underwood et al. · 2002 [cited by applicant]
US 20030069620A1 · Li · 2003 [cited by applicant]
US 20030144659A1 · Edwards · 2003 [cited by applicant]
US 20030208194A1 · Hovda et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]
US 20030208250A1 · Edwards et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]
US 20030225403A1 · Woloszko et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]
US 20040030334A1 · Quick et al. · 2004 [cited by applicant]
US 20040193238A1 · Mosher et al. · 2004 [cited by applicant]
US 20040210214A1 · Knowlton · 2004 [cited by applicant]
US 20040215235A1 · Jackson et al. · 2004 [cited by applicant]
US 20040220644A1 · Shalev et al. · 2004 [cited by applicant]
US 20040230188A1 · Cioanta et al. · 2004 [cited by applicant]
US 20050020901A1 · Belson et al. · 2005 [cited by applicant]
US 20050119643A1 · Sobol et al. · 2005 [cited by applicant]
US 20050171522A1 · Christopherson · 2005 [cited by applicant]
US 20050171574A1 · Rubinsky et al. · 2005 [cited by applicant]
US 20050222565A1 · Manstein · 2005 [cited by applicant]
US 20050234439A1 · Underwood · 2005 [cited by applicant]
US 20050234443A1 · Rioux et al. · 2005 [cited by applicant]
US 20050240147A1 · Makower et al. · 2005 [cited by applicant]
US 20050288665A1 · Woloszko · 2005 [cited by applicant]
US 20060004323A1 · Chang et al. · 2006 [cited by applicant]
US 20060009758A1 · Edwards · 2006 [cited by examiner]
US 20060064086A1 · Odom · 2006 [cited by applicant]
US 20060095066A1 · Chang et al. · 2006 [cited by applicant]
US 20060190022A1 · Beyar et al. · 2006 [cited by applicant]
US 20060195169A1 · Gross et al. · 2006 [cited by applicant]
US 20060235377A1 · Earley et al. · 2006 [cited by applicant]
US 20060253117A1 · Hovda et al. · 2006 [cited by applicant]
US 20060265031A1 · Skwarek et al. · 2006 [cited by applicant]
US 20060276817A1 · Vassallo et al. · 2006 [cited by applicant]
US 20070043350A1 · Soltesz et al. · 2007 [cited by applicant]
US 20070049999A1 · Esch et al. · 2007 [cited by applicant]
US 20070066944A1 · Nyte · 2007 [cited by applicant]
US 20070073282A1 · McGarrigan et al. · 2007 [cited by applicant]
US 20070083193A1 · Werneth et al. · 2007 [cited by applicant]
US 20070093710A1 · Maschke · 2007 [cited by applicant]
US 20070179495A1 · Mitchell et al. · 2007 [cited by applicant]
US 20070219600A1 · Gertner et al. · 2007 [cited by applicant]
US 20070244529A1 · Choi et al. · 2007 [cited by applicant]
US 20070287994A1 · Patel · 2007 [cited by applicant]
US 20080000477A1 · Huster et al. · 2008 [cited by applicant]
US 20080004613A1 · Barbut et al. · 2008 [cited by applicant]
US 20080021369A1 · Deem et al. · 2008 [cited by applicant]
US 20080027423A1 · Choi et al. · 2008 [cited by applicant]
US 20080027480A1 · van der Burg et al. · 2008 [cited by applicant]
US 20080027520A1 · Choi · 2008 [cited by examiner]
US 20080082090A1 · Manstein · 2008 [cited by applicant]
US 20080125626A1 · Chang et al. · 2008 [cited by applicant]
US 20080154237A1 · Chang et al. · 2008 [cited by applicant]
US 20080154343A1 · Li et al. · 2008 [cited by applicant]
US 20080183251A1 · Azar et al. · 2008 [cited by applicant]
US 20080255642A1 · Zarins et al. · 2008 [cited by applicant]
US 20080312644A1 · Fourkas et al. · 2008 [cited by applicant]
US 20090018485A1 · Krespi et al. · 2009 [cited by applicant]
US 20090124958A1 · Li et al. · 2009 [cited by applicant]
US 20090143821A1 · Stupak · 2009 [cited by applicant]
US 20090163890A1 · Clifford et al. · 2009 [cited by applicant]
US 20090192505A1 · Askew et al. · 2009 [cited by applicant]
US 20090292358A1 · Saidi · 2009 [cited by applicant]
US 20090299355A1 · Bencini et al. · 2009 [cited by applicant]
US 20100049188A1 · Nelson et al. · 2010 [cited by applicant]
US 20100144996A1 · Kennedy et al. · 2010 [cited by applicant]
US 20100152730A1 · Makower et al. · 2010 [cited by applicant]
US 20100160906A1 · Jarrard · 2010 [cited by applicant]
US 20100174283A1 · McNall, III et al. · 2010 [cited by applicant]
US 20100204560A1 · Salahieh et al. · 2010 [cited by applicant]
US 20100241112A1 · Watson · 2010 [cited by applicant]
US 20100260703A1 · Yankelson et al. · 2010 [cited by applicant]
US 20100262133A1 · Hoey et al. · 2010 [cited by applicant]
US 20110009737A1 · Manstein · 2011 [cited by applicant]
US 20110118726A1 · De La Rama et al. · 2011 [cited by applicant]
US 20110125149A1 · El-Galley et al. · 2011 [cited by applicant]
US 20110130689A1 · Cohen et al. · 2011 [cited by applicant]
US 20110180064A1 · Tanaka et al. · 2011 [cited by applicant]
US 20110282268A1 · Baker et al. · 2011 [cited by applicant]
US 20110288477A1 · Ressemann et al. · 2011 [cited by applicant]
US 20110301587A1 · Deem et al. · 2011 [cited by applicant]
US 20120029512A1 · Willard et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 20120039954A1 · Cupit et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 20120059255A1 · Paul et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 20120078377A1 · Gonzales et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 20120123411A1 · Ibrahim et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 20120179154A1 · Goldberg et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 20120209257A1 · Van Der Weide et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 20120265188A1 · Buchbinder et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 20120298105A1 · Osorio · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 20120310233A1 · Dimmer et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 20120316473A1 · Bonutti et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 20120316557A1 · Sartor et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 20120323227A1 · Wolf et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 20120323232A1 · Wolf et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 20130085546A1 · Bolea et al. · 2013 [cited by applicant]
US 20130116679A1 · Van der Weide et al. · 2013 [cited by applicant]
US 20130158536A1 · Bloom · 2013 [cited by applicant]
US 20130218158A1 · Danek et al. · 2013 [cited by applicant]
US 20130281997A1 · Davie · 2013 [cited by applicant]
US 20140088463A1 · Wolf et al. · 2014 [cited by applicant]
US 20140114233A1 · Deem et al. · 2014 [cited by applicant]
US 20140243793A1 · Morriss et al. · 2014 [cited by applicant]
US 20140316396A1 · Wolf et al. · 2014 [cited by applicant]
US 20150141982A1 · Lee · 2015 [cited by applicant]
US 20150148791A1 · Birdsall et al. · 2015 [cited by applicant]
US 20150164571A1 · Saadat · 2015 [cited by applicant]
US 20150202003A1 · Wolf et al. · 2015 [cited by applicant]
US 20160045277A1 · Lin et al. · 2016 [cited by applicant]
US 20160121112A1 · Azar · 2016 [cited by applicant]
US 20160274661A1 · Maeda · 2016 [cited by applicant]
US 20160331459A1 · Townley · 2016 [cited by applicant]
US 20160354136A1 · Saadat · 2016 [cited by applicant]
US 20170105793A1 · Cao · 2017 [cited by applicant]
US 20170231651A1 · Dinger et al. · 2017 [cited by applicant]
US 20170252089A1 · Hester · 2017 [cited by applicant]
US 20170252100A1 · Wolf et al. · 2017 [cited by applicant]
US 20170360495A1 · Wolf et al. · 2017 [cited by applicant]
US 20180000535A1 · Wolf et al. · 2018 [cited by applicant]
US 20180103940A1 · Shin et al. · 2018 [cited by applicant]
US 20180177542A1 · Wolf et al. · 2018 [cited by applicant]
US 20180177546A1 · Dinger et al. · 2018 [cited by applicant]
US 20180185085A1 · Wolf et al. · 2018 [cited by applicant]
US 20180228533A1 · Wolf et al. · 2018 [cited by applicant]
US 20180228551A1 · Moe · 2018 [cited by applicant]
US 20180263678A1 · Saadat · 2018 [cited by applicant]
US 20180317997A1 · Dinger et al. · 2018 [cited by applicant]
US 20180333195A1 · Greep et al. · 2018 [cited by applicant]
US 20180344378A1 · Wolf et al. · 2018 [cited by applicant]
US 20190076185A1 · Dinger et al. · 2019 [cited by applicant]
US 20190151005A1 · Wolf et al. · 2019 [cited by applicant]
US 20190175242A1 · Wolf et al. · 2019 [cited by applicant]
US 20190201069A1 · Wolf et al. · 2019 [cited by applicant]
US 20190231409A1 · Wolf et al. · 2019 [cited by applicant]
US 20190282289A1 · Wolf et al. · 2019 [cited by applicant]
US 20190336196A1 · Wolf et al. · 2019 [cited by applicant]
US 20190343577A1 · Wolf et al. · 2019 [cited by applicant]
US 20190357927A1 · Palushi · 2019 [cited by applicant]
US 20200100829A1 · Wolf et al. · 2020 [cited by applicant]
US 20200129223A1 · Angeles et al. · 2020 [cited by applicant]
US 20200170699A1 · Wolf et al. · 2020 [cited by applicant]
US 20200205884A1 · Wolf et al. · 2020 [cited by applicant]
US 20200375648A1 · Wolf et al. · 2020 [cited by applicant]
US 20220142699A1 · Wolf et al. · 2022 [cited by applicant]
US 20220257272A1 · Wolf et al. · 2022 [cited by applicant]
US 20230062359A1 · Wolf et al. · 2023 [cited by applicant]
US 20230293222A1 · Wolf et al. · 2023 [cited by applicant]
US 20240024016A1 · Wolf et al. · 2024 [cited by applicant]
US 20240050143A1 · Wolf et al. · 2024 [cited by applicant]
US 20240315755A1 · Wolf et al. · 2024 [cited by applicant]
US 20240366286A1 · Wolf et al. · 2024 [cited by applicant]
CN 2225227Y · 1996 [cited by applicant]
CN 2621723Y · 2004 [cited by applicant]
CN 101325919A · 2008 [cited by applicant]
CN 103055417A · 2013 [cited by applicant]
DE 102007006467B3 · 2008 [cited by applicant]
WO 99007299A1 · 1999 [cited by applicant]
WO 1999030655A1 · 1999 [cited by applicant]
WO 0143653A1 · 2001 [cited by applicant]
WO 03024349A1 · 2003 [cited by applicant]
WO 2007037895A1 · 2007 [cited by applicant]
WO 2007134005A1 · 2007 [cited by applicant]
WO 2009048580A1 · 2009 [cited by applicant]
WO 2010077980A1 · 2010 [cited by applicant]
WO 2012174161A2 · 2012 [cited by applicant]
WO 2013028998A2 · 2013 [cited by applicant]
WO 2014022436A1 · 2014 [cited by applicant]
WO 2015047863A1 · 2015 [cited by applicant]
WO 2015048806A2 · 2015 [cited by applicant]
WO 2015153696A1 · 2015 [cited by applicant]
WO 2016183337A2 · 2016 [cited by applicant]
Extended European Search Report for Application No. 19199126.4, mailed Dec. 9, 2019, 6 pages. [cited by applicant]
Buckley et al., “High-resolution spatial mapping of shear properties in cartilage,” J Biomech., Mar. 3, 2010;43 (4):796-800, Epub Nov. 5, 2009. [cited by applicant]
Buckley et al., “Mapping the depth dependence of shear properties in articular cartilage,” J Biomech., 41 (11):2430-2437, Epub Jul. 10, 2008. [cited by applicant]
Chen et al., China Journal of Endoscopy, vol. 11, No. 3. pp. 239-243, Mar. 2005, [English Translation of Title] “Radiofrequency treatment of nasal posterior-under nerve ethmoidal nerve and infraturbinal for perennial al… [cited by applicant]
Cole, “Biophysics of nasal airflow: a review,” Am J Rhinol., 14(4):245-249, Jul.-Aug. 2000. [cited by applicant]
Cole, “The four components of the nasal valve,” Am J Rhinol., 17(2):107-110, Mar.-Apr. 2003. [cited by applicant]
Fang et al., J First Mil Med Univ, vol. 25 No. 7, pp. 876-877, 2005, [English translation of title] “Nasal endoscopy combined with multiple radiofrequency for perennial allergic rhinitis” [also translated as] “Nasal End… [cited by applicant]
Griffin et al., “Effects of enzymatic treatments on the depth-dependent viscoelastic shear properties of articular cartilage,” J Orthop Res., 32(12):1652-1657, Epub Sep. 5, 2014. [cited by applicant]
International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT/US2012/042316, mailed Aug. 24, 2012, 15 pages. [cited by applicant]
International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT/US2014/054726, mailed Dec. 23, 2014, 5 pages. [cited by applicant]
International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT/US2015/023742, mailed Jun. 29, 2015, 5 pages. [cited by applicant]
Kjaergaard et al., “Relation of nasal air flow to nasal cavity dimensions,” Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg., 135 (6):565-570, Jun. 2009. [cited by applicant]
Kong et al., Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology, 2005. “Clinical observation on radiofrequency ablation treatment in perennial allergic rhinitis,” Retrieved from the Internet: <URL:http://en.cnki.com.cn/Article_en/… [cited by applicant]
Liu et al., China Journal of Endoscopy, vol. 14, No. 11, pp. 1127-1130, Nov. 2008, [English Translation of Title] “Impact of treatment of perennial rhinitis by radiofrequency thermo-coagulations to vidian and antirior e… [cited by applicant]
Search Report in European Application No. 18204723.3 dated Feb. 18, 2019, 8 pages. [cited by applicant]
Silverberg et al., “Structure-function relations and rigidity percolation in the shear properties of articular cartilage,” Biophys J., 107(7):1721-1730, Oct. 7, 2014. [cited by applicant]
Singapore Search Report for Application Serial No. 201309238-2, mailed Apr. 17, 2014, 27 pages. [cited by applicant]
Stewart et al., “Development and validation of the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale,” Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg., 130(2):157-163, Feb. 2004. [cited by applicant]
Stupak, “A Perspective on the Nasal Valve,” Dept. of Otorhinolaryngology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Nov. 6, 2009. [cited by applicant]
Stupak, “Endonasal repositioning of the upper lateral cartilage and the internal nasal valve,” Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol., 120(2):88-94, Feb. 2011. [cited by applicant]
Supplementary European Search Report for Application No. 15772528, mailed Sep. 26, 2017, 7 pages. [cited by applicant]
Extended European Search Report for App. No. 21172995.9, dated Jul. 9, 2021, 8 pages. [cited by applicant]
Fang Chao-xin and Zhen Shao-Shao, Nasal endoscopy combined with multiple radiofrequency for perennial allergic rhinitis, 25(07) J. First Mil. Medic Univ. 876 (Jul. 20, 2005). [cited by applicant]
Complaint for [cited by applicant]
Petition for Inter Partes Review of Claims 1-2, 5, 8-10, 12, and 14 of U.S. Pat. No. 10,894,011 Under 35 U.S.C. §312 and 37 C.F.R. §42.104; Case No. IPR2024-00280; served Jan. 18, 2024. [cited by applicant]
Petition for Inter Partes Review of Claims 1-8 and 11 of U.S. Pat. No. 11,679,077 Under 35 U.S.C. §312 and 37 C.F.R. §42.104, Case No. IPR2024-00281; served Jan. 18, 2024. [cited by applicant]
Petition for Inter Partes Review of Claims 1-3, 7, 9-10, and 17-25 of U.S. Pat. No. 10,610,675 Under 35 U.S.C. §312 and 37 C.F.R. §42.104; served Jan. 18, 2024. [cited by applicant]
Arora et al., “Cryodestruction of Vidian Nerve Branches,” Indian J. Otolaryngology, vol. 32, No. 3, Sep. 1980, pp. 80-82. [cited by applicant]
Back et al., “Submucosal Bipolar Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation of Inferior Turbinates: A Long-Tenn Follow-up with Subjective and Objective Assessment,” LARYNGOSCOPE, vol. 112, No. 10, Oct. 2002, pp. 1806-1812. [cited by applicant]
Banhiran et al., “Quality of life in patients with chronic rhinitis after radiofrequency inferior turbinate reduction,” J. Med Assoc Thai, vol. 93, No. 8, 2010, pp. 950-957. [cited by applicant]
Bronzino, Medical Devices and Systems, The Biomedical Engineering Handbook (3rd ed. 2006), Chapter 63, Electrosurgical Devices, pp. 63-1-63-9. [cited by applicant]
Chen et al., “Preliminary study on radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the posterior inferior nerve, anterior ethmoidal nerve, and inferior turbinate under nasal endoscopy for the treatment of perennial allergic rhiniti… [cited by applicant]
Chen et al., “Radiofrequency treatment of nasal posterior-under nerve, ethmoidal nerve and infraturbinal for perennial allergic rhinitis under nasal endoscope,” China Journal of Endoscopy, vol. 11, No. 3, Mar. 2005, pp.… [cited by applicant]
Coste et al., “Radiofrequency Is a Safe and Effective Treatment of Turbinate Hypertrophy,” LARYNGOSCOPE, vol. 111, No. 5, May 2001, pp. 894-899. [cited by applicant]
Fang et al., “Nasal Endoscopy Combined with Multiple Radiofrequency for Perennial Allergic Rhinitis,” J. First Mil Med Univ, vol. 25, No. 7, 2005, pp. 876-877 (English Translation); IPR2024-00282, “Translator Declaratio… [cited by applicant]
Haemmerich, “Biophysics of Radiofrequency Ablation,” Critical Reviews in Biomedical Engineering, vol. 38, No. 1, 2010, pp. 53-63. [cited by applicant]
Haikou, “Diagnostic Criteria and Efficacy Evaluation Criteria of Allergic Rhinitis,” Otorhinolaryngol, vol. 33, No. 3, Jun. 1998, pp. 134-135. [cited by applicant]
Hong et al., “Radiofrequency Ablation: Mechanism of Action and Devices,” J. Vasc. Interv. Radiol., vol. 21, No. 8S, 2010, pp. S179-S186. [cited by applicant]
Hytönen et al., “Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation for Patients with Nasal Symptoms: A Systematic Review of Effectiveness and Complications,” Eur. Arch. Otorhinolaryngol, vol. 266, 2009, pp. 1257-1266. [cited by applicant]
Ilgner et al., “Feasibility of coblation versus laser resection in recurrent nasal polyps,” Proc. of Spie, vol. 5686, Apr. 25, 2005, pp. 322-327. [cited by applicant]
Kong et al., “Low-temperature plasma ablation of inferior turbinate for the treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis”, J Clin. Otorhinolaryngol., vol. 19, No. 5, Mar. 2005, pp. 214-215 (English Translation); IPR2024-002… [cited by applicant]
Kong et al., “Clinical Observation on Radiofrequency Ablation Treatment in Perennial Allergic Rhinitis,” J Clin. Otorhinolaryngol., vol. 19, No. 5, Mar. 2005, pp. 214-215 (English Translation); IPR2024-00282, “Translato… [cited by applicant]
Konno, “Historical, Pathophysiological, and Therapeutic Aspects of Vidian Neurectomy,” Curr. Allergy Asthma Rep., vol. 10, 2010, pp. 105-112. [cited by applicant]
Koyyalagunta et al., Radiofrequency and Cryoablation for Cancer Pain, Techniques in Regional Anesthesia & Pain Management, vol. 14, No. 1, Jan. 2010, pp. 3-9. [cited by applicant]
Lee et al., “Surgical Management of Turbinate Hypertrophy in the Office: Three Mucosal Sparing Techniques,” Operative Techniques in Ottolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, vol. 12, No. 2, Jun. 2001, pp. 107-111. [cited by applicant]
Levine, “Lasers in Endonasal Surgery,” Otolaryngolog. Clinics of N. Am, June, vol. 30, No. 3, Jun. 1, 1997, pp. 451-455. [cited by applicant]
Liang et al., “Radiofrequency Treatment of Ethmoidal Nerve with Allergic Rhinitis Under Nasal Endoscopy,” J. Clint Otorhinolaryngol., vol. 13, No. 8, Aug. 1999, pp. 341-342 (English Translation); IPR2024-00282, “Transla… [cited by applicant]
Philippson, “Principles of Electrical Resistance of Living Tissue,” Bull. Cl. Sci. Acad. R. Belg., Ser. 5, vol. 7, No. 7, Jul. 1921, pp. 387-403. [cited by applicant]
Cited By (2)
US 12,636,058 US 12,678,212