A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Posterior Nasal Nerve Ablation Procedures for Chronic Rhinitis

Radiofrequency Ablation (RhinAer, Neuromark) vs. Cryoablation (ClariFix) of the Posterior Nasal Nerve for Chronic Rhinitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn which procedural intervention most effectively reduces symptoms of chronic rhinitis (non-allergic rhinitis) in adult patients (18 years and older). The main questions it aims to answer are:

• Which procedural intervention leads to the greatest reduction in total nasal symptom scores (TNSS)?
• Which procedural intervention leads to the greatest improvement in sinonasal quality of life as measured by the SNOT-22?

Researchers will compare radiofrequency ablation (RhinAer or Neuromark) and cryotherapy (ClariFix) to see if there are differences in symptom reduction and durability of response across treatments. Participants will:

• Be randomly assigned to one of three FDA-cleared posterior nasal nerve ablation procedures (RhinAer, Neuromark, or ClariFix)
• Complete validated symptom questionnaires (TNSS and SNOT-22) before and after their procedure
• Have their relevant medical records reviewed (demographics, clinical history, prior rhinitis treatments)

Chronic rhinitis (non-allergic/vasomotor rhinitis) affects an estimated 14 million Americans and is characterized by nasal inflammation in the absence of infectious or allergic triggers. When medical management fails, patients may pursue procedural intervention to ablate the posterior nasal nerves. Currently available FDA-cleared standard-of-care options include in-office radiofrequency ablation (RhinAer, Neuromark) and cryotherapy (ClariFix). Despite the availability of these modalities, comparative effectiveness data are lacking. This randomized controlled trial will enroll adult patients and randomly assign them to one of the three treatment arms to compare symptom reduction and durability of response across the three procedures.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18 years or older
• Diagnosis of chronic rhinitis (non-allergic rhinitis)

Exclusion Criteria:

- Under 18 years of age