New Minimally Invasive Treatment for Rhinitis: Endoscopic High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound

A new treatment for rhinitis, irritation and inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane, is now available in the Otolaryngology (ENT)-Head and Neck Surgery Department. High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) has already demonstrated excellent clinical efficacy with definitive therapeutic effect, earning widespread recognition from patients due to its advantages in being minimally invasive, safe and comfortable.

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) unit shown at Peking University International Hospital

In terms of treating rhinitis, HIFU is an innovative and minimally invasive technique which utilizes a focused ultrasonic beam to precisely deliver energy to the affected tissues in the submucosal layer of the nasal cavity. This targeted method regulates blood vessels, nerves, and glands in the nose, reducing reactivity to allergies or irritants. This tackles the root cause of rhinitis symptoms, relieves them, without harming the superficial nasal mucosa—so normal nasal function remains intact. Compared to traditional surgery, this technique requires no incision and causes no bleeding, avoiding complications such as nasal adhesions and hemorrhage, and is highly tolerated by patients.

Disposable HIFU ultrasonic headpiece

The advantages of HIFU in treating rhinitis are twofold: high efficiency and convenience. On the day of treatment, the patient is admitted in the morning and undergoes brief preoperative assessments. If eligible, the procedure is performed around midday, lasting only 10–15 minutes under general anesthesia, ensuring a pain-free experience. No special postoperative care is required; after 1–2 hours of observation to rule out any discomfort, the patient can be discharged. This streamlined workflow significantly reduces patient time commitment, overcoming the common drawbacks of traditional surgery, such as prolonged hospitalization and slow recovery.

Director LI Xuesheng and Associate Chief Physician XUE Junfang perform an endoscopic High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) procedure on a patient.

Clinical practice has confirmed the effectiveness of HIFU for treating rhinitis, with a single-treatment efficacy rate exceeding 95%. Post-operatively, patients experience significant relief from symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and nasal itching. Most patients achieve long-term therapeutic effects with just one treatment, eliminating the need for prolonged medication and effectively circumventing the side effects of drug therapy and the challenge of recurrence.

Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
The Otolaryngology (ENT)-Head and Neck Surgery Department covers a full spectrum of diseases involving the ear, nose, throat, and head and neck. Equipped with soundproof rooms/fields meeting national standards, we can assess and analyze auditory and vestibular function. 

Facilities include a comprehensive suite of ENT endoscopes with integrated imaging systems, advanced diagnostic and treatment platforms, state-of-the-art surgical microscopes, powered surgical instruments, CO2 lasers, plasma surgical units, minimally invasive instruments, and intraoperative neural function monitoring systems, supporting surgical operations of all complexities.

Dr. LI Xuesheng
Associate Chief Physician

Professional Summary

Li Xuesheng, MD, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow, is an Associate Chief Physician in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Peking University International Hospital. He serves as a review expert for the Beijing Natural Science Foundation and as a member of the Rhinology Subcommittee of the Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association.

From 2013 to 2015, he conducted visiting research on endoscopic minimally invasive surgical techniques at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University of Adelaide, Australia, and the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the Medical University of Graz, Austria.

He has led and completed four research projects, published two SCI-indexed papers and 45 papers in core and statistical source journals, obtained one utility model patent, co-authored six monographs, and received one Second Prize for Military Scientific and Technological Progress and one Third Prize for Hebei Medical Achievement.

Areas of Expertise

Dr. LI Xuesheng is proficient in the diagnosis and treatment of common and complex conditions in otolaryngology. He has extensive experience in minimally invasive endoscopic surgery for various types of sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, nasal trauma, nasal and paranasal sinus tumors, cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, adenoid hypertrophy, chronic dacryocystitis, optic nerve decompression, and orbital decompression.

Academic and Professional Positions

• Member, Beijing Medical Association, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
• Member, China Society of Medical Equipment, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
• Member, Chinese Geriatric Health Care Medical Research Association, Division of Otolaryngology
• Youth Member, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chinese Medical Association (8th–11th terms)
• Member, Rhinology Subcommittee, Editorial Board of the Chinese Journal of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (11th term)
• Corresponding Editorial Board Member, Chinese Journal of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
• Editorial Board Member, Chinese Journal of Otolaryngology and Skull Base Surgery
• Editorial Board Member, Chinese Journal of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
• Standing Editorial Board Member, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Channel, Medical Reference News
• Standing Editorial Board Member, Contemporary Medicine