Outcomes 12 Months After Temperature-Controlled Radiofrequency Device Treatment of the Nasal Valve for Patients With Nasal Airway Obstruction

Evaluating post-rhinoplasty nasal obstruction treatment: The efficacy of VivAer radiofrequency ablation

PURPOSE

Nasal obstruction is a prevalent issue affecting up to one-third of adults, often requiring surgical intervention. Low-temperature radiofrequency (RF) treatment, specifically VivAer, has emerged as a promising alternative, especially for the treatment of nasal valve collapse (NVC). However, its efficacy in patients with a history of rhinoplasty or nasal valve repair remains unexplored.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective chart review was conducted on 37 patients with a history of rhinoplasty or nasal valve repair who underwent VivAer RF treatment. Treatment outcomes were assessed using the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale. The primary outcome was defined as a decrease in NOSE score by at least one severity category or a 20 % reduction in total NOSE score.

RESULTS

The study found a statistically significant average reduction in NOSE score of 22.4 points or 36.6 %. Among patients with a positive treatment response (21 patients or 56.8 %), the average NOSE score reduction was 34.7 points or 55.6 %. Repeat RF treatment in non-responders resulted in a 50 % response rate. No significant difference was observed in treatment outcomes based on the type of prior rhinoplasty or NVC.

CONCLUSIONS

Temperature-controlled RF treatment with VivAer can effectively alleviate nasal obstruction in patients with a history of rhinoplasty or nasal valve repair, offering a viable alternative to revision surgery. The study also highlights the potential benefit of repeat RF treatment in non-responders. Further research, including randomized controlled trials, is needed to validate these promising results and expand the treatment options for this complex patient population.

Economic impact analysis of a minimally invasive temperature-controlled radiofrequency device versus nasal surgery for the treatment of nasal airway obstruction in the United States

OBJECTIVE

To determine the economic impact of a minimally invasive temperature-controlled radiofrequency (TCRF) device for treating nasal airway obstruction (NAO).

METHODS

A budget impact model was developed for two scenarios: a reference scenario of functional rhinoplasty surgery with concomitant septoplasty and inferior turbinate reduction (ITR) performed in the hospital outpatient department where TCRF is not an available treatment option and a new scenario consisting of in-office TCRF treatment of the nasal valve and ITR. A payor perspective was adopted with a hypothetical population plan size of one million members. Costs were estimated over a time horizon of 4 years. The eligible population included patients with severe/extreme NAO and nasal valve collapse (NVC) as the primary cause or significant contributor. Data inputs were sourced from targeted literature reviews. Uncertainty within the model structure and input parameters was assessed using one-way sensitivity analysis.

RESULTS

The introduction of a TCRF device resulted in population-level cost savings of $20,015,123 and per-responder average cost savings of $3531 through a 4-year time horizon due to lower procedure costs and complication rates of the device relative to the surgical comparator. Results were robust when varying parameter values in sensitivity analyses, with cost savings being most sensitive to the prevalence of NAO and estimated response rates to functional rhinoplasty and TCRF.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with severe/extreme NAO, with NVC as the primary or major contributor, introducing TCRF with ITR as a treatment option demonstrates the potential for significant cost savings over functional rhinoplasty with septoplasty and ITR.

Effectiveness of Radiofrequency Device Treatment for Nasal Valve Collapse in Patients With Nasal Obstruction

OBJECTIVE

Internal nasal valve dysfunction is a prevalent cause of nasal obstruction. This systematic review, along with a Meta-analysis, evaluated the efficacy of temperature-controlled radiofrequency device (RFD) treatment in alleviating nasal obstruction by rectifying nasal valve collapse.

DATA SOURCES

A comprehensive review of studies retrieved from PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases (up to December 2022) was conducted.

REVIEW METHODS

We included studies that evaluated the quality of life and nasal obstruction scores before and after RFD treatment. In addition, sham-controlled studies were analyzed.

RESULTS

In total, 451 patients across 8 studies were included in the analysis. Patients who underwent RFD treatment reported a significantly enhanced quality of life 24 months after treatment compared to pretreatment scores. The rates of clinically improved states and positive responses regarding quality of life after treatment were 82% and 91%, respectively. Moreover, the disease-specific quality of life, as assessed by the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation score, significantly improved.

CONCLUSION

RFD may help improve nasal obstruction symptoms. Further randomized clinical studies on larger cohorts are essential to substantiate its efficacy in enhancing nasal valve function.

Repairing the Nose after Failed Minimally Invasive Procedures

Minimally invasive nasal procedures can be aimed at treating both functional and cosmetic problems. These procedures include lateral nasal wall implants, dermal fillers, thread lifting, and radiofrequency ablation. Though increasingly popular, nasal surgeons have limited data to draw from when faced with operating in a nose that has been altered by these techniques. In this article, best practice recommendations are described based on the available data for each of the techniques.

Temperature-controlled radiofrequency device treatment of septal swell bodies for nasal airway obstruction: An open-label, single arm multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Nasal airway obstruction (NAO) is a highly prevalent disorder. Septal swell body (SSB) hypertrophy is an often overlooked contributor to NAO. SSB treatment may relieve symptoms of NAO. The objective of this study was to assess the clinical use of a temperature-controlled radiofrequency (TCRF) device to treat SSBs to improve symptoms in adults with NAO.

METHODS

In this prospective, multicenter, open-label, single arm study, patients with severe or extreme NAO related to SSB hypertrophy received bilateral TCRF treatment in the SSB area. The primary endpoint was improvement in Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) Scale scores from baseline to 3 months postprocedure. A subset of study patients underwent computed tomography (CT) imaging to evaluate posttreatment changes in SSB size.

RESULTS

Mean NOSE Scale scores significantly improved from 73.5 (SD 14.2) at baseline to 27.9 (SD 17.2) at 3 months postprocedure, a reduction of -45.3 (SD 21.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -50.4 to -40.1; p < 0.0001); the responder rate was 95.7% (95% CI: 0.88 to 0.99; p < 0.0001). CT evaluation at 3 months showed statistically significant reductions in the SSB with the greatest reduction in the middle thickness (mean change -3.4 [SD 1.8] mL, 95% CI: -4.0 to -2.8; p < 0.0001). Minimal adverse events with any relationship to the device or procedure were reported; none were serious in nature and no septal perforations occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that TCRF treatment of SSB hypertrophy is well tolerated and effective at reducing both SSB size and symptoms of NAO at 3 months posttreatment.

Prevalence and Identification of Nasal Airway Obstruction in Patients Presenting to Otolaryngology Clinics: Results From a Large Descriptive Practice Survey

Objective: Determine the prevalence of nasal airway obstruction (NAO) in patients presenting to general otolaryngology clinics using the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Scale (NOSE) score as a screening tool. Study Design: The clinic staff at 149 otolaryngology specialty clinics geographically distributed in the United States administered the NOSE Scale assessment to 3533 patients presenting to the clinics over a period of 1 week, regardless of the reason for the visit. All patients completed the NOSE Scale score, and additional data were collected, including the primary reason for the visit. Demographic and patient characteristics were summarized using frequencies and percentages for categorical variables. Results: The overall mean NOSE Scale score for the 3533 patients surveyed was 37.6 (SD 31.5). A total of 37.4% (1320/3533) of surveyed patients, regardless of visit reason, had severe/extreme NAO symptoms. Overall, the most common visit reason category was "Other" (61.2%, 2162/3533), followed by "NAO" (22.6%, 798/3533) and "Sinus" (16.2%, 573/3533). The mean NOSE scores for patients in each of the visit categories were 23.4 (SD 25.9), 64.7 (SD 23.3), and 53.3 (SD 28.1); for "Other," "NAO," and "Sinus," respectively. Among the patients coming in with "NAO" or "Sinus" as a primary complaint, 76.2% (608/798) and 57.2.% (328/573) had severe or extreme NOSE scores. A total of 17.8% (384/2162) of patients coming in for "Other" reasons had NOSE scores indicating severe/extreme NAO symptoms. Conclusions: The findings of this large, descriptive otolaryngology practice survey found a high prevalence of moderate to severe/extreme NAO among patients presenting to otolaryngology practices. Incorporating assessments, such as the NOSE Scale score and other diagnostic practices into the patient intake workflow and assessments, could help identify symptomatic NAO patients that might otherwise be overlooked.

Functional nasal surgery in the office-based setting

Objective

Nasal obstruction is a very common problem often addressed by functional nasal surgery. Increasingly, these procedures are being performed in the office setting secondary to decreased down time, cost, and obviation of general anesthesia. Our goal with this review is to discuss how to appropriately select patients for office-based procedures, what procedures may be considered, and current outcomes with in-office functional nasal surgery.

Data Sources

PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar.

Methods

Research databases were searched for articles discussing techniques for performing functional nasal surgery in an office setting, and outcomes of various in-office functional nasal procedures.

Results

Studies found and included in this review discuss many aspects of office-based functional nasal surgery, including practical points on patient selection and office set-up, what procedures can safely be performed, and outcomes of different techniques to address specific problems. Broadly, procedures amenable to performance in the office address the internal and external nasal valves, the nasal septum, and the inferior turbinates.

Conclusion

A wide range of techniques to aaddress the nasal valves, septum, and inferior turbinates can be performed in a safe and effective manner without the need for an operative suite.

Two-year outcomes of temperature-controlled radiofrequency device treatment of the nasal valve for patients with nasal airway obstruction

Background

The objective of this study was to evaluate long-term symptom improvements in patients with nasal airway obstruction (NAO) secondary to nasal valve collapse (NVC) following minimally invasive temperature-controlled radiofrequency (TCRF) treatment.

Methods

A prospective, single-arm, multicenter study in patients >18 years with NAO due to NVC. Inclusion criteria were response to nasal valve dilation (e.g., modified Cottle maneuver) and baseline Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) Scale score ≥60. Patients were treated in the nasal valve region with a TCRF device and followed through 2 years. A responder was ≥20% reduction NOSE Scale score or ≥1 reduction in severity class.

Results

A total of 122 patients were treated and 91 reached 2 years. The mean baseline NOSE Scale score was 80.3 (95% CI, 78.1-82.6). The adjusted mean change in score at 2 years was -45.8 (95% CI, -53.5 to -38.1), p < 0.001; a 57.0% improvement. The 2-year responder rate was 90.1% (95% CI, 82.3%-94.7%). Significant and sustained symptom improvement was achieved in subpopulations based on sex, age, body mass index, baseline NAO severity, nasal surgery history, NVC mechanism, septal deviation, and other anatomic contributors of NAO. No serious adverse events with a relationship to the study device and/or procedure were reported.

Conclusions

Minimally invasive TCRF device treatment of the internal nasal valve for NAO is well tolerated and leads to significant and sustained improvement in NAO symptom severity through 2 years, including in patients with both static and dynamic NVC, septal deviation, turbinate enlargement, or prior nasal surgery.

Level of Evidence

2b.