Temperature-Controlled Radiofrequency Neurolysis for the Treatment of Rhinitis

Background Chronic rhinitis is a prevalent condition with a significant impact on quality of life. Posterior nasal nerve and vidian neurectomy are surgical options for treating the symptoms of chronic rhinitis but are invasive procedures. Objective To determine the outcomes of patients diagnosed with refractory chronic rhinitis and treated with temperature-controlled radiofrequency neurolysis of the posterior nasal nerve area in a minimally invasive procedure. Methods A prospective, single-arm multicenter study with follow-up through 52 weeks. Eligible adult patients had chronic rhinitis symptoms of at least 6 months duration with inadequate response to at least 4 weeks usage of intranasal steroids and an overall 12-h reflective total nasal symptom score (rTNSS) ≥ 6 with subscores 2 to 3 for rhinorrhea, 1 to 3 for nasal congestion, and 0 to 3 for each of nasal itching and sneezing. Temperature-controlled radiofrequency energy was delivered to the nasal cavity mucosa overlying the posterior nasal nerve region with a novel single-use, disposable, handheld device. Results A total of 50 patients were treated (42.0% male; mean age 57.9 ± 11.9 years), and 47 completed the study through 52 weeks. Mean rTNSS significantly improved from 8.5 (95% CI 8.0, 9.0) at baseline to 3.6 (95% CI 3.0, 4.3) at 52 weeks (P