ClariFix® Cryotherapy

Surgery treatment for chronic rhinitis.

ClariFix® Cryotherapy for Chronic Rhinitis

At North Star ENT, we offer ClariFix® Cryotherapy, an FDA-cleared treatment that effectively addresses chronic rhinitis through precise freezing of posterior nasal nerves. This minimally invasive procedure, completed in under 10 minutes, targets symptoms including nasal congestion, runny nose, and post-nasal drip. Our approach has demonstrated remarkable success rates, with four out of five patients reporting significant improvement in their symptoms. The procedure’s safety profile, combined with its long-lasting results of up to two years, makes it an excellent alternative to ongoing medications. Understanding the extensive benefits of ClariFix® Cryotherapy can help determine if this innovative solution aligns with your needs.

What Does ClariFix® Cryotherapy Treat?

ClariFix® Cryotherapy zeros in on chronic rhinitis symptoms that can greatly impact your quality of life. At North Star ENT, we specifically target persistent nasal symptoms, including chronic congestion, excessive runny nose, post-nasal drip, and repetitive sneezing that haven’t responded to conventional treatments. Patients typically experience only minimal discomfort during the procedure.

Our advanced cryotherapy procedure addresses these challenging symptoms by utilizing precise cold temperatures to interrupt the hyperactive posterior nasal nerves responsible for overproduction of mucus. The procedure takes under ten minutes to complete and provides lasting relief.

  • Imagine experiencing complete relief from the constant need to carry tissues everywhere you go
  • Consider the freedom of breathing clearly through your nose again without medication
  • Think about finally getting through your day without the persistent drip in the back of your throat

We’ve observed that four out of five patients report significant improvement in their symptoms, making ClariFix® an effective solution for those suffering from chronic rhinitis.

Our Core Values:
Putting Patients First

Patient-Centered Care

Prioritizing the needs, comfort, and well-being of every patient by providing compassionate and personalized care throughout their surgical journey.

Excellence and Expertise

Delivering the highest standard of care by leveraging advanced technologies, specialized skills, and a team of fellowship-trained surgeons who are leaders in their fields.

Accessibility and Timeliness

Providing quick access to specialized ENT surgeries with minimal wait times, including offering travel assistance to ensure care is accessible to all Canadians.

Innovation and Advancement

Continuously integrating cutting-edge technology, advanced surgical techniques, and the latest medical research to improve patient outcomes.

What Is Chronic Rhinitis?

Throughout our years of experience at North Star ENT, we’ve seen how chronic rhinitis can greatly disrupt daily life. This persistent inflammation of the nasal passages, lasting more than 12 weeks, manifests through various symptoms that can markedly impact one’s quality of life. The condition can be triggered by various factors, with immunoglobulin E responses being the primary mechanism behind allergic forms. People with asthma should be particularly vigilant as they face a higher risk level for developing rhinitis.

We regularly observe both allergic and nonallergic forms, each with distinct triggers ranging from environmental allergens to physiological factors.

  • Persistent nasal congestion that makes every breath a conscious effort
  • Continuous postnasal drip leading to chronic throat clearing and coughing
  • Relentless fatigue from disrupted sleep patterns due to breathing difficulties

Our clinical expertise shows that chronic rhinitis isn’t merely about a stuffy nose – it’s a complex condition requiring proper diagnosis and targeted treatment.

Understanding the specific type and triggers is vital for developing an effective management strategy.

Diagnostic Tests for Chronic Rhinitis

At North Star ENT, our diagnostic approach for chronic rhinitis begins with several key tests to pinpoint the exact cause of your symptoms.

The evaluation includes measuring serum IgE levels to confirm allergic causes. We’ll conduct a thorough physical examination, including detailed visualization of your nasal passages, and may utilize fiberoptic technology for a more in-depth assessment. Determining symptom duration helps differentiate between acute and chronic rhinitis, with symptoms lasting one week or less typically indicating acute cases.

Our specialized testing protocol often includes allergen skin testing and blood work to identify specific triggers, while advanced imaging such as CT scans may be recommended for complex cases.

  • Advanced diagnostic capabilities that detect even subtle abnormalities in your nasal structure
  • State-of-the-art allergen testing to identify your specific triggers with precision
  • Extensive evaluation of related conditions that could impact your treatment plan

Through these diagnostic steps, we’re able to develop a targeted treatment strategy that addresses the root cause of your chronic rhinitis, ensuring the most effective therapeutic approach for your specific condition.

What Happens During Surgery?

Modern cryotherapy treatment for chronic rhinitis at North Star ENT follows a precise, minimally invasive approach. Under our expert care, we begin by administering local or topical anesthetic to guarantee patient comfort, followed by an endoscopic examination to identify the precise areas of nerve-related inflammation. Most patients experience noticeable symptom improvement within 2-6 weeks.

We then carefully position the ClariFix device within the nasal cavity, targeting the posterior nasal nerve where it connects to the lateral wall. Using liquid nitrogen, we apply controlled freezing to interrupt irregular nerve signals causing rhinitis symptoms. This revolutionary treatment effectively addresses both allergic and non-allergic rhinitis.

The procedure typically takes just minutes per nostril, with most patients able to resume normal activities the same day. While some patients may experience temporary pressure, cooling sensations, or mild discomfort, our clinical data shows that four out of five patients achieve long-lasting symptom relief.

Cross-Canada Access to Private Surgery

We make world-class ENT care accessible to all Canadians, offering private surgeries with minimal wait times and inter-provincial travel support.

How Successful is ClariFix® Cryotherapy?

North Star ENT’s experience with ClariFix® cryotherapy demonstrates remarkable success rates, with over 70% of patients achieving considerable symptom improvement.

When we employ modified surgical techniques that account for individual anatomical variations, our success rates increase to over 90%. Studies consistently show that patients experience sustained symptom relief, with considerable reductions in their Total Nasal Symptom Scores at both 1- and 3-month intervals post-treatment. Patients typically see a mean reduction of 3.48 points in their nasal symptoms after just one month.

Our data indicates that 77.8% of patients report the procedure as effective and would choose it again if needed.

We’ve observed that many patients considerably reduce or eliminate their dependency on rhinitis medications following treatment. Through the integration of CT scanning and precise surgical approaches targeting the posterior nasal nerve, we’re able to optimize treatment outcomes while maintaining a strong safety profile. The treatment has proven particularly valuable for the 10-22% of patients who find first-line pharmacologic treatments ineffective.

Is ClariFix® Cryotherapy Safe?

Medical research and clinical evidence consistently demonstrate that ClariFix® cryotherapy is a safe and well-tolerated treatment for chronic rhinitis. At North Star ENT, we’ve observed that this FDA-cleared procedure is supported by five extensive clinical studies confirming its safety profile and effectiveness in treating chronic rhinitis symptoms. Most patients experience improvement within 30 days post-treatment.

While patients may experience temporary side effects such as increased congestion, mild discomfort, or headaches, these symptoms typically resolve on their own. The preservation of connective tissue integrity during the procedure ensures optimal healing outcomes.

We carefully screen each patient for contraindications, including cryoglobulinemia, cold urticaria, or bleeding disorders, to guarantee peak safety. Our specialized team takes additional precautions with patients who’ve diabetes, neuropathic conditions, or those taking blood thinners.

The procedure’s safety record is particularly remarkable, with no serious adverse events reported in clinical studies.

What Is the Recovery Time?

Recovery from ClariFix® cryotherapy stands out for its remarkable simplicity and speed.

At North Star ENT, we’ve observed that most of our patients can resume their normal activities the same day as their procedure, with many able to drive themselves home afterward if the treatment is performed in our office.

Our patients receive this minimally invasive procedure that targets the overactive nerves causing their symptoms.

While you may experience temporary effects such as increased congestion, mild discomfort, or a cooling sensation during the initial healing period, these symptoms typically resolve within a few weeks.

The procedure is completed in 5 to 10 minutes under topical anesthesia for your comfort.

We’ll provide you with specific post-treatment instructions to guarantee ideal recovery, though minimal post-procedure care is required.

Most importantly, the results of cryotherapy can last up to two years or longer, with four out of five patients reporting sustained improvement in their symptoms.

World-Class Medical Care, Right Here in Canada

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When Can I Expect Results?

Understanding when you’ll experience relief after ClariFix® cryotherapy helps set realistic expectations for your treatment journey.

At North Star ENT, we’ve observed that most patients begin experiencing noticeable improvements between 2 and 6 weeks post-treatment, with many reporting significant symptom relief around the 30-day mark. The treatment works by using cold temperatures to target and calm overactive nasal nerves.

Our clinical data shows that 4 out of 5 patients achieve long-lasting symptom improvement, particularly in reducing nasal congestion and rhinorrhea.

We carefully monitor patients’ progress using standardized assessment tools, such as TNSS and SNOT-22 scores, which consistently demonstrate significant improvements from baseline measurements.

These positive results typically persist at 3 and 6 months post-treatment, with some patients maintaining relief for up to 24 months, indicating the procedure’s effectiveness in providing sustained symptom management.

Why Choose ClariFix® Cryotherapy?

At North Star ENT, we recommend ClariFix® cryotherapy as a leading solution for chronic rhinitis due to its remarkable combination of effectiveness and convenience.

This FDA-cleared procedure targets the root cause of chronic rhinitis by precisely interrupting nasal nerve pathways, delivering long-lasting symptom relief while maintaining a strong safety profile. The treatment specifically targets the posterior nasal nerve to provide targeted relief. Most patients notice noticeable improvements within 2-6 weeks after the procedure.

The minimally invasive treatment requires only local anesthesia and can be completed in under 10 minutes, allowing patients to return to their daily activities with minimal downtime.

  • Experience significant reduction in runny nose, congestion, and post-nasal drip symptoms
  • Benefit from a safer alternative to traditional surgical procedures, with lower risk of complications
  • Achieve lasting relief that reduces dependence on ongoing medications and treatments

Our expertise in delivering ClariFix® cryotherapy guarantees superior results while prioritizing patient comfort and safety.

We’ll help check your insurance coverage for ClariFix® treatment. While many plans cover it using CPT code 31243, coverage varies by provider. Contact us at 1-833-631-1290 to verify your specific benefits.

Yes, you can drive yourself home after the ClariFix® procedure. We use only local anesthesia, and most patients return to normal activities immediately. There’s minimal downtime, making it safe to drive afterward.

Most of our patients achieve ideal results with just one ClariFix® treatment. We’ll evaluate your specific symptoms and condition during your consultation to determine if you might need additional sessions for lasting relief.

Yes, there are age restrictions. We only perform ClariFix® on patients who are 18 years or older. This follows clinical guidelines and guarantees the safety and effectiveness of the treatment for chronic rhinitis patients.

We’ll work with you to review your medications before ClariFix® treatment. Most medications can be continued, but we may need to adjust certain ones. Always discuss your current prescriptions with us during consultation.