Clarifix Cryotherapy

Clarifix^TM is an innovative treatment now available in the UK for the treatment of patients with a runny nose.

Reasons for and benefits of treatment with Clarifix^TM?

The procedure is being undertaken to help treat symptoms of chronic rhinitis, in particular a persistently runny nose (rhinorrhoea) which has not responded well to medications. The condition is often associated with having prominent and swollen/inflamed inferior turbinates, which can cause a congested, stuffy nose. Occasionally this can be caused by allergy, a reaction to the overuse of certain nasal medications such as decongestants or occur as part of a deviated nasal septum. It can also be hereditary or genetic as large turbinates can occur in some people rather than others.

What is Clarifix^TM?

Clarifix^TM is a modern treatment which has been tried and tested extensively in the USA over the last few years. It involves the principle of cryotherapy, or freezing of the nerves that are responsible for the production of mucus discharge by the turbinates. The technique targets the posterior nasal nerve which is responsible for the majority of the nerve supply to the inferior turbinates, the largest of the turbinates within the nose. By freezing these nerves, the flow of discharge from the nose is reduced.

Advantages of Clarifix^TM:

The advantages of Clarifix^TM over other treatments are:

• Clarifix^TM is usually performed under a local anaesthetic, unlike the majority of alternative procedures to reduce the turbinates which require a general anaesthetic
• Time spent in hospital, and down time from work and other activities is significantly reduced, and recovery is much faster
• It is the most minimally invasive of all turbinate procedures with fewest side effects and complications
• Finally, being able to undergo this procedure under a local anaesthetic means that your risk of developing a hospital acquired infection or other viral illnesses (including COVID) is much reduced.

What does the procedure involve?

The operation is usually performed under a local anaesthetic. The Clarifix^TM device is entirely hand held and is carefully inserted through the nose. It is directed towards the posterior half of the inferior turbinate, beneath the middle turbinate, targeting the posterior nasal nerve. When deployed, the device provides controlled, focal and precise freezing of the target tissue. Occasionally a second application may be required on each side. The operation usually takes between 20 to 30 minutes depending on complexity.

A note on the Clarifix^TM device and accreditation:

Clarifix^TM has been in use in the USA for several years, having been used in hundreds of patients with excellent results. It has approval from the US authorities, as well as EU accreditation and CE marking in the UK. It has been submitted for review to The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE), although this process takes some time to complete. However the evidence available for Clarifix^TM suggests few complications or problems and excellent improvements in patients’ nasal symptoms.

Final note:

Clarifix^TM does appear to be more effective in patients who do not have significant allergies or other nasal structural issues such as a deviated nasal septum or nasal polyps. It is suitable for patients who have already tried a wide range of medical treatments such as topical nasal steroid sprays and/or drops, oral antihistamines, salt water rinses and other medications, without much success or improvement. It is therefore important to have a thorough examination by an ENT Surgeon before considering Clarifix^TM and this can be arranged at London ENT if needed.