Temperature-Controlled Radiofrequency Device Improves Nasal Obstruction

A recent publication in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery analyzed the outcomes of temperature-controlled radiofrequency (TCRF) device treatment for patients with nasal airway obstruction (NOA). Researchers found that, over 12 months, the improved symptoms were sustained.

Investigators characterized this study as a prospective, multicenter, single-blind, randomized investigation. Using data from patients in 16 different centers across the United States, researchers assigned patients to TCRF treatment or a control procedure.

Study candidates took the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) and only patients with an initial score greater than 54 were included. For this study, scientists only observed patients with nasal valve collapse, causing their NAO.

Regarding device implementation, clinicians in the publication state, “patients were treated bilaterally with the TCRF device at four or fewer nonoverlapping areas on the nasal mucosa at the junction of the upper and lower lateral cartilage on the lateral nasal wall.”

By the 12 month follow-up, patients receiving the active treatment saw an average of a 44.9 point reduction in NOSE score, with the baseline mean score being 76.3.

The researchers also highlight that patients with a medical history of nasal surgery who received the TCRF treatment showed similar and comparable improvements to those without a history of nasal surgery receiving TCRF treatment.

While this study shows some potential benefits for TCRF, there were imperfections in the protocol. According to the publication, one limitation was the lack of monitoring of medication use. Medication use may have altered the NOSE scores slightly.

Additionally, diversity in the clinical trial participants was limited. Most of the participants were White, which limits the understanding of TCRF efficacy across races, as nasal anatomy can vary by ethnicity, impacting the trial results.

Despite the identified limitations, investigators in the publication concluded, “The long-term safety profile of TCRF device treatment of the nasal valve is excellent; there were no serious adverse events with a relationship to the device and procedure reported through 12 months post-procedure.”

This research presents an additional option to otolaryngologists for treating patients with NAO, with the primary cause being nasal valve collapse. In future clinical trials, experts may consider analyzing the differences in efficacy across multiple races. Additionally, follow-up studies may examine the adequacy of TCRF treatment in patients with NOA from causes other than nasal valve collapse.