Patent ID: 11969200
Assignee: AERIN MEDICAL INC.
Field: Medical technology (Instruments)
Classification: CPC A | IPC A

Claim 0:
1. A method of treating a Eustachian tube, the method comprising:
advancing a treatment element of a Eustachian tube treatment device through a nostril;
inserting a passive positioner extending from the treatment element of the Eustachian tube treatment device through an ostium of the Eustachian tube;
contacting a treatment surface of the treatment element of the Eustachian tube treatment device with surface tissue surrounding a portion of the ostium of the Eustachian tube, wherein the treatment surface comprises:
a flat, arcuate shape;
a first arcuate row of radiofrequency electrodes protruding from the treatment surface; and
a second arcuate row of radiofrequency electrodes protruding from the treatment surface;

applying force with the treatment surface against the tissue to temporarily deform the tissue;
applying radiofrequency energy from the first arcuate row of radiofrequency electrodes on the treatment surface through the tissue and an underlying tissue beneath the tissue to the second arcuate row of radiofrequency electrodes on the treatment surface, to alter at least one property of the underlying tissue;
sensing a temperature of the surface tissue with a thermocouple on the treatment surface; and
adjusting an amount of the radiofrequency energy applied from the first arcuate row of radiofrequency electrodes to the second arcuate row of radiofrequency electrodes, based at least in part on the sensed temperature.