An adjustable, butterfly-design, titanium-expanded polytetrafluoroethylene implant for nasal valve dysfunction: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the design of a simple, adjustable, biocompatible nasal implant that consistently corrects nasal valvular dysfunction.

METHODS

This study presents data on an adjustable titanium-expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) implant designed as a spanning butterfly graft. Each patient was measured for implant effectiveness subjectively by patient questionnaire and objectively with static and dynamic photographs as well as acoustic rhinomanometry data.

RESULTS

Rhinomanometry studies, photographic evidence, and patient questionnaires revealed that a great improvement in the nasal airway can consistently be achieved at the level of the nasal valve using the titanium-ePTFE butterfly design implant.

CONCLUSION

The titanium-ePTFE butterfly-design implant provides a consistent and adjustable correction of the dysfunctional nasal valve.