Long-term outcomes following impedance-controlled radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of chronic rhinitis

Objective: To assess long-term safety and effectiveness of a multipoint, impedance-controlled, RF ablation device for treatment of chronic rhinitis through 12-month follow-up. Methods: A prospective, multicenter study. Bilateral posterior nasal nerve (PNN) ablation was performed on all participants. Assessments at 6-, 9-, and 12-month visits included Visual Analog Scale Nasal Symptom Score (VAS NSS), reflective Total Nasal Symptom Score (rTNSS), mini-Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (mini RQLQ), and adverse events. Results: Thirty-six participants were enrolled and 35 completed the 12-month follow-up. All 5 VAS NSS items demonstrated statistically significant improvement (p < .0001) over baseline at all 3 time points. The total rTNSS improved from 7.9 +/- 1.8 at baseline to 4.3 +/- 2.1 at 6-months, 3.8 +/- 2.4 at 9-months, and 4.0 +/- 2.1 at 12-months (all p < .0001). At 12-months, 91% (31/35) of participants had achieved the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) of a reduction from baseline of >= 1 point and 80% (28/35) of the participants met the responder criteria of >= 30% reduction from baseline. The total mean mini RQLQ was reduced from 3.0 +/- 1.0 at baseline to 1.4 +/- 0.8 at 6-months, 1.4 +/- 1.0 at 9-months, and 1.3 +/- 0.8 at 12-months (all p < .0001). At 12-months, 86% (30/35) of participants achieved the MCID of a reduction from baseline of >= 0.4 points for the mini RQLQ. No related serious adverse events occurred during the study. Conclusions: mpedance-controlled RF ablation of the PNN is safe and resulted in durable, significant improvement in rhinitis symptoms and quality of life through 12-month follow-up.