A Quiet Revolution in ENT Care: 200,000 Patients Find Relief

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA – March 25, 2026 – A significant milestone was quietly passed in the world of otolaryngology, signaling a broader shift in how chronic nasal conditions are treated. Aerin Medical Inc. announced it has surpassed 200,000 patients treated with its minimally invasive technologies, VivAer and RhinAer. This number, up from 150,000 just over a year ago, represents more than a corporate achievement; it reflects a growing preference among doctors and patients for effective, office-based procedures over traditional, more invasive surgeries.

For millions who suffer from the daily misery of a constantly runny nose, chronic stuffiness, or obstructed nasal breathing, the options have often been a frustrating cycle of sprays and medications or a commitment to surgery with significant downtime. Aerin Medical has carved out a new middle ground, leveraging temperature-controlled radiofrequency energy to remodel tissue and disrupt problematic nerves, all through a thin wand inserted into the nostril. The milestone suggests this approach is not just a niche alternative but is rapidly becoming a mainstream solution.

“We celebrate this milestone alongside the otolaryngologists who have made it possible,” said Matt Brokaw, President and CEO of Aerin Medical, in a statement. “Our close partnership with physicians enables the design of groundbreaking technology and the completion of rigorous clinical studies... That collaboration is now translating into expanding access to the treatment of appropriate patients.”

A New Approach to Chronic Nasal Woes

The two conditions targeted by Aerin’s technologies, chronic rhinitis (CR) and nasal airway obstruction (NAO), affect a vast population. Chronic rhinitis is characterized by a perpetually runny nose, post-nasal drip, and congestion. Nasal airway obstruction involves a structural blockage, often in the nasal valve, that makes breathing through the nose difficult.

RhinAer addresses chronic rhinitis by targeting the posterior nasal nerve (PNN), which can become overactive and signal the nose to produce excess mucus. In a procedure performed under local anesthesia in a doctor's office, the RhinAer stylus delivers precise radiofrequency energy to disrupt these nerve signals, reducing runny nose and post-nasal drip symptoms at their source.

VivAer, on the other hand, tackles nasal obstruction. It uses a similar radiofrequency technology to gently heat and remodel the soft tissue inside the nasal cavity, particularly in the nasal valve area, which is prone to collapse. This process stiffens the tissue, helping to keep the airway open and improve airflow without incisions or implants. For patients, this means a potential long-term solution to stuffiness and difficulty breathing, especially during exercise or sleep.

“For years, patients with nasal valve collapse had few options beyond more invasive surgery,” explained one ENT specialist not affiliated with the company. “To have a tool that provides durable relief with a procedure that takes less than an hour in the office is a significant advancement for our practice and our patients.”

The Power of Clinical Proof

A key driver of this adoption has been Aerin Medical’s investment in building a robust body of clinical evidence. In the medical device industry, physician confidence is paramount, and that confidence is built on peer-reviewed data demonstrating safety and long-term efficacy. The company now has more than 40 such publications.

For VivAer, the three-year results from the VATRAC randomized controlled trial were particularly compelling. The study confirmed that the treatment was safe and that improvements in nasal airflow and quality of life were sustained three years post-procedure, with a high responder rate of 87% and a low re-intervention rate of just 3.2%. Similarly, the AERWAY clinical study showed durable symptom relief for NAO patients at the three-year mark.

For RhinAer, the RELIEF clinical trial demonstrated significant and lasting improvements in chronic rhinitis symptoms, including chronic cough and post-nasal drip, for up to two years. Patients in the studies not only reported feeling better—with better sleep and overall well-being—but also showed a marked decrease in their reliance on daily rhinitis medications.

This commitment to long-term data helps distinguish the technologies from unproven novelties and provides physicians the assurance they need to recommend the procedures to their patients.

Paving the Way for Patient Access

Innovation is only impactful if patients can access it. A critical component of Aerin Medical's growth has been the successful navigation of the complex world of medical reimbursement. The establishment of dedicated Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes by the American Medical Association has been a game-changer.

VivAer procedures are reported using CPT code 30469, and as of January 1, 2024, RhinAer has its own specific code, CPT 31242. These codes provide a standardized way for physicians to bill for the procedures, which is essential for securing coverage from insurers. Both treatments are now covered by Medicare and an increasing number of major private insurance plans, including a recent policy update from Cigna covering RhinAer for its over 15 million members.

This financial infrastructure is crucial. It removes a significant barrier for patients, moving the procedures from an out-of-pocket luxury to a covered and accessible medical treatment. While costs can vary, the in-office setting generally makes these procedures more cost-effective than surgeries performed in a hospital or ambulatory surgery center, which carry additional facility and anesthesia fees.

Redefining the Patient and Physician Experience

Beyond the numbers and the clinical data, the 200,000-patient milestone represents a profound human impact. For individuals whose lives have been constrained by chronic nasal symptoms, an effective, low-risk solution can be transformative.

Patient experiences frequently highlight improvements that go far beyond just easier breathing. “The sleep alone was incredible,” one patient noted in a public forum after a VivAer procedure. “I didn’t realize how much energy I was losing from poor sleep until I could finally breathe through my nose all night.”

Physicians, in turn, appreciate being able to offer a solution that fits the needs of a broader patient population—especially those who are hesitant to undergo traditional surgery or are poorly managed by medication alone. The quick recovery and minimal downtime mean patients can get back to their lives almost immediately, a stark contrast to the week or more of recovery often associated with surgical alternatives.

As the trend toward minimally invasive medicine continues to accelerate, Aerin Medical’s success provides a compelling blueprint. By focusing on a common but underserved set of conditions, backing technology with rigorous long-term data, and systematically building the infrastructure for patient access, the company has not only reached a significant milestone but has also helped redefine the standard of care for patients who just want to breathe easier.