Evaluation of absorbable PLA nasal implants in an ovine model

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.

Adverse Events Associated With Bioabsorbable Nasal Implants: A MAUDE Database Analysis

Bioabsorbable implants (eg, Latera) have recently been approved for addressing nasal valve collapse. The purpose of this study is to summarize adverse events and treatment sequelae associated with bioabsorbable nasal implants queried in the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database. Of the 26 device reports entered between March 2017 and April 2022, the most frequently reported complications included abscess (n = 13) and implant protrusion (n = 5). Other common symptoms reported greater than 1-year postimplantation included facial pain/discomfort (n = 3) and failure to absorb (n = 3). Management of adverse events included treatment with antibiotics (n = 9), steroid injections (n = 4), and explantation (n = 20). In 3 reports, adverse reactions required a biopsy of adjacent tissue for pathologic analysis. These findings suggest that further research is required to assess the potential long-term complications and optimize the management of bioabsorbable nasal implants. Furthermore, standardized reporting templates may improve the utility of the MAUDE database.

Promising Implants in Rhinoplasty

Many dilemmas in rhinoplasty tempt surgeons to use exogenous materials. We have long looked toward implants to decrease operative time, to achieve a more reliable result, or when there is a paucity of autologous material. More than ever, the innovative and highly lucrative field of nasal implantology is developing technologically advanced products. This article looks at some popular nasal implant choices with a look toward what might be on the horizon.

Biocompatibility and degradation comparisons of four biodegradable copolymeric osteosynthesis systems used in maxillofacial surgery: A goat model with four years follow-up

Applying biodegradable osteosyntheses avoids the disadvantages of titanium osteosyntheses. However, foreign-body reactions remain a major concern and evidence of complete resorption is lacking. This study compared the physico-chemical properties, histological response and radiographs of four copolymeric biodegradable osteosynthesis systems in a goat model with 48-months follow-up. The systems were implanted subperiosteally in both tibia and radius of 12 Dutch White goats. The BioSorb FX [poly(70LLA-co-30DLLA)], Inion CPS [poly([70–78.5]LLA-co-[16–24]DLLA-co-4TMC)], SonicWeld Rx [poly(DLLA)], LactoSorb [poly(82LLA-co-18GA)] systems and a negative control were randomly implanted in each extremity. Samples were assessed at 6-, 12-, 18-, 24-, 36-, and 48-month follow-up. Surface topography was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Differential scanning calorimetry and gel permeation chromatography were performed on initial and explanted samples. Histological sections were systematically assessed by two blinded researchers using (polarized) light microscopy, SEM and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. The SonicWeld Rx system was amorphous while the others were semi-crystalline. Foreign-body reactions were not observed during the complete follow-up. The SonicWeld Rx and LactoSorb systems reached bone percentages of negative controls after 18 months while the BioSorb Fx and Inion CPS systems reached these levels after 36 months. The SonicWeld Rx system showed the most predictable degradation profile. All the biodegradable systems were safe to use and well-tolerated (i.e., complete implant replacement by bone, no clinical or histological foreign body reactions, no [sterile] abscess formation, no re-interventions needed), but nanoscale residual polymeric fragments were observed at every system's assessment.

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Foreign-body reactions are a major concern of biodegradable osteosyntheses.

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Amorphous poly(DLLA) showed the most predictable degradation profile.

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Nanoscale residual polymeric fragments could still be observed after 4 years.

Minimally invasive nasal valve treatment

Nasal valve insufficiency can be addressed using endonasal and open structure surgical techniques. However, some patients may prefer or be better suited for minimally invasive techniques that allow for more expedient treatment in the clinical setting. Techniques include internal dilators, external dilators, suture suspension, lateral wall implants, and radiofrequency remodeling. Understanding the indications for each technique as well as the available evidence can help facial plastic surgeons assess the role of incorporating these techniques into the care of patients with nasal valve insufficiency.

Long-Term Follow-up from the Treatment and Crossover Arms of a Randomized Controlled Trial of an Absorbable Nasal Implant for Dynamic Nasal Valve Collapse

We report the long-term safety and efficacy outcomes of the treatment and crossover arms of a randomized controlled trial evaluating an absorbable nasal implant to address dynamic nasal valve collapse. Participants were adults with severe/extreme nasal airway obstruction primarily due to nasal valve insufficiency who had implant placement. Follow-up visits were at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months post implant. Visits included collection of the following patient-reported outcome measures: nasal obstructive symptom evaluation (NOSE), nasal obstruction visual analog scale (VAS), and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Adverse events were evaluated at each visit. One-hundred-eleven participants with implants were followed. Of the 111, 90 completed the 12-month visit and 70 completed the 24-month visit. NOSE responder rates are greater than 80% at all follow-ups through 24 months. Mean reduction from baseline in NOSE scores is ≥30 points and statistically significant (p <0.001) at all time points through 24 months. Mean VAS score reduction is ≥29.7 points and statistically significant (p <0.001) at all time points. The subgroup of participants with baseline ESS values >10 experienced statistically significant (p <0.001) and clinically meaningful reductions at all postimplant periods, suggesting that the reduction in nasal symptoms may reduce daytime sleepiness for patients who have problems with sleep quality. No serious device-/procedure-related adverse events were reported. Implant migration/retrieval rate was 4.5% (10/222) of total implants or 9% of participants (10/111). The implant is safe and effective for dynamic nasal valve collapse in patients with severe/extreme nasal obstruction and provides durable symptom improvement 24 months after placement.

A comparison of an absorbable nasal implant versus functional rhinoplasty for nasal obstruction

PURPOSE

An absorbable nasal implant for the treatment lateral nasal wall collapse was approved for use in patients with nasal obstruction. It remains to be seen whether this treatment is equivalent to open techniques for the treatment of nasal valve incompetence from collapsibility.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two groups were analyzed for the study. One group had surgery which included the implant, septoplasty, and inferior turbinate submucous reduction and the other group had a variety of functional rhinoplasty techniques for lateral wall insufficiency in addition to septoplasty and inferior turbinate submucous reduction. NOSE and SNOT-22 were used to demonstrate pre and post-operative changes.

RESULTS

Ninety total patients were identified. Fifty patients underwent insertion of an absorbable nasal implant and 40 underwent a traditional open technique to stabilize the LNW. For the implant group the mean NOSE score was 63.4 (SD 24) and post-operative was 22.9 (SD 19.9), in addition, the SNOT-22 score was 38.8 (SD 19.8) and post-operative was 18.5 (SD 15.2). For the open rhinoplasty group, the mean NOSE score was 57.9 (SD 23.2) and post-operative was 17.6 (SD 16.4). The SNOT-22 score was 33.6 (SD 14.9) and post-operative score was 11.5 (SD 15.2) The delta between pre and post-operative NOSE and SNOT-22 test were not different at an average of 3.95 months post-operatively between the groups (NOSE, P = 0.94 and SNOT-22, p = 0.53).

CONCLUSION

In patients with multiple structural causes of nasal obstruction, including lateral wall insufficiency, insertion of an absorbable nasal implant, to support the LNW, seems to be equally effective as functional rhinoplasty techniques over a 4 month timeframe.

Method, Material, and Machine: A Review for the Surgeon Using Three-Dimensional Printing for Accelerated Device Production

BACKGROUND

Physicians are at the forefront of identifying innovative targets to address current medical needs. 3D printing technology has emerged as a state-of-the-art method of prototyping medical devices or producing patient-specific models that is more cost-efficient, with faster turnaround time, in comparison to traditional prototype manufacturing. However, initiating 3D printing projects can be daunting due to the engineering learning curve, including the number of methodologies, variables, and techniques for printing from which to choose. To help address these challenges, we sought to create a guide for physicians interested in venturing into 3D printing.

STUDY DESIGN

All commercially available, plug-and-play, material and stereolithography printers costing less than $15,000 were identified via web search. Companies were contacted to obtain quotes and information sheets for all printer models. The qualifying printers' manufacturer specification sheets were reviewed, and pertinent variables were extracted.

RESULTS

We reviewed 309 commercially available printers and materials and identified 118 printers appropriate for clinicians desiring plug-and-play models for accelerated device production. We synthesized this information into a decision-making tool to choose the appropriate parameters based on project goals.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a growing clinical need for medical devices to reduce costs of care and increase access to personalized treatments; however, the learning curve may be daunting for surgeons. In this review paper, we introduce the "3Ms of 3D printing" for medical professionals and provide tools and data sheets for selection of commercially available, affordable, plug-and-play 3D printers appropriate for surgeons interested in innovation.

Bioabsorbable Implant for Treatment of Nasal Valve Collapse with or without Concomitant Procedures

The aim of the study is to report outcomes after treatment of nasal valve collapse with a bioabsorbable nasal implant. It involves two prospective, multicenter, post-market studies evaluating long-term effectiveness of the LATERA implant for severe to extreme nasal obstruction. Participants underwent implant alone or with concomitant inferior turbinate reduction (ITR) and/or septoplasty. Outcome measures included the change from baseline Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scores, NOSE responder rates, visual analog scale (VAS) scores, and adverse events. A total cohort of 277 participants (109 implants only, 67 implants + ITR, 101 implants + septoplasty + ITR) enrolled at 19 U.S. centers was available for analysis with 177 participants (69 implants only, 39 implants + ITR, 69 implants + septoplasty + ITR) available at 2 years. The mean changes from baseline in NOSE scores and VAS scores were statistically significant ( p  < 0.001) at all follow-up periods. The baseline NOSE score of 77.8 ± 13.6 was improved to 24.2 ± 23.6 at 24 months. Greater than 90% of participants were NOSE responders across all follow-up periods, 6.1% withdrew for lack of treatment effect. The baseline VAS score of 66.7 ± 18.8 was improved to 21.1 ± 23.9 at 24 months. There were no serious adverse events related to the device or implant procedure. Implant retrieval rate was 4.0% (22/543 implants). Nonserious adverse events were mild to moderate in severity, typically occurred within 6 months of implant, and resolved or were stable. Significant reductions in NOSE and VAS scores and high responder rates from our large population of patients with nasal obstruction who had nasal valve implants confirm sustained effectiveness at 24 months after treatment. The studies are registered on www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02952313 and NCT02964312).

Twelve-month outcomes of a bioabsorbable implant for in-office treatment of dynamic nasal valve collapse

Objectives

To examine 12‐month outcomes for in‐office treatment of dynamic nasal valve collapse (NVC) with a bioabsorbable implant.

Study Design

Prospective, multicenter, nonrandomized study.

Methods

One hundred sixty‐six patients with severe‐to‐extreme class of Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scores were enrolled at 16 U.S. clinics (November 2016–July 2017). Patients were treated with a bioabsorbable implant (Latera, Spirox Inc., Redwood City, CA) to support the lateral wall, with or without concurrent inferior turbinate reduction (ITR), in an office setting. NOSE scores and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were measured at baseline and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The Lateral Wall Insufficiency (LWI) score was determined by independent physicians observing the lateral wall motion video.

Results

One hundred five patients were treated with implant alone, whereas 61 had implant + ITR. Thirty‐one patients reported 41 adverse events, all of which resolved with no clinical sequelae. Patients showed significant reduction in NOSE scores throughout 12 months postoperatively (77.4 ± 13.4 baseline vs. 36.2 ± 22.7 at 1 month postoperatively, 33.0 ± 23.4 at 3 months, 32.1 ± 24.6 at 6 months, and 30.3 ± 24.3 at 12 months; P < 0.001). They also showed significant reduction in VAS scores postoperatively (69.7 ± 18.1 baseline vs. 31.3 ± 27.1 at 12 months postoperatively, P < 0.001). These results were similar in patients treated with implant alone and those treated with the implant + ITR. Consistent with patient‐reported outcomes, postoperative LWI scores were demonstrably lower (1.42 ± 0.09 and 0.93 ± 0.08 pre‐ and postoperatively, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In‐office treatment of dynamic NVC with a bioabsorbable implant improves clinical evidence of LWI at 6 months and improves nasal obstructive symptoms in a majority of patients up to 12 months.

Level of Evidence

2b

Laryngoscope, 130:1132–1137, 2020

A Bioabsorbable Lateral Nasal Wall Stent for Dynamic Nasal Valve Collapse: A Review

Nasal obstruction is one of the most common clinical problems encountered by otolaryngologists and facial plastic surgeons. Lateral wall insufficiency (LWI) is a key anatomic contributor to nasal obstruction. Traditional techniques for correcting LWI include alar batten grafts, bone-anchored sutures, and lateral crural strut grafts. Latera is an absorbable nasal implant that can be inserted in the office or the operating room as an adjunctive procedure for LWI. The purpose of this review is to discuss Latera, a novel bioabsorbable implant to improve the nasal airway.