AB213. SOH22ABS200. Implantation of a bioabsorbable lateral nasal stent under local anaesthetic: a case series

Background: Lateral nasal wall collapse or nasal valve collapse (NVC) is a common and significant contributing factor to nasal airway obstruction. Traditional methods of treating NVC include temporary nonsurgical approaches and invasive procedures that have variable rates of success and adverse events. The implantation of a bioabsorbable polymer into the lateral sidewall increases the structural integrity of the cartilage and forms a fibrous capsule that maintains this support system after the implant has degraded.

Methods: LATERA was implanted into five patients with severe NVC under local anaesthetic (LA) in University Hospital Waterford. Patients were assessed using the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) survey pre-operatively and at various post-operative stages to assess improvement in symptoms and quality of life (QOL).

Results: In three patients, the procedure was carried out as a day-case under LA in theatre. Two further patients had the LATERA implanted under LA in the outpatient clinic setting. Most patients reported bilateral nasal obstruction, worse on exertion and in the recumbent position. An improvement in nasal airflow was seen on modified Cottle’s test in all patients, indicating nasal alar weakness leading to NVC. Patients ranged from 34 to 72 years old. Pre-operative NOSE scores ranged from 60 to 100 reducing to a range of 30–65 post-operatively. Overall, the procedure was well-tolerated and patient reported outcomes indicate significant improvements in QOL following the procedure.

Conclusions: This procedure, when undertaken in the outpatient setting under LA, is well tolerated, cost effective and ensures more patients are treated in a timely manner.

Keywords: Absorbable nasal stent; LATERA; lateral nasal valve collapse (lateral NVC); local anaesthetic (LA); nasal airway obstruction