A prospective, non-randomized evaluation of a novel low energy radiofrequency treatment for nasal obstruction and snoring

Background Weak or inward-bent cartilage of the nasal sidewall at the level of the internal nasal valve (INV) can produce narrowness or collapse of the nasal valve. This is a common cause of impaired nasal breathing during daily activities and there is also an established connection between nasal ob...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology 2019-04, Vol.276 (4), p.1039-1047
Main Authors: Brehmer, Detlef, Bodlaj, Robert, Gerhards, Friedemann
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Female
Head and Neck Surgery
Humans
Male
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Middle Aged
Nasal Obstruction - diagnosis
Nasal Obstruction - psychology
Nasal Obstruction - therapy
Neurosurgery
Nose Diseases - diagnosis
Nose Diseases - physiopathology
Nose Diseases - therapy
Otorhinolaryngology
Prospective Studies
Quality of Life
Radiofrequency Therapy - instrumentation
Radiofrequency Therapy - methods
Rhinology
Snoring - diagnosis
Snoring - psychology
Snoring - therapy
Surveys and Questionnaires
Treatment Outcome
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Summary:Background Weak or inward-bent cartilage of the nasal sidewall at the level of the internal nasal valve (INV) can produce narrowness or collapse of the nasal valve. This is a common cause of impaired nasal breathing during daily activities and there is also an established connection between nasal obstruction and snoring. The condition is often difficult to treat, although even a small enlargement of the lumen at the nasal valve can lead to a significant improvement in the ease of nasal breathing. Methods The primary objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Vivaer system for the treatment of narrowed nasal valves and to measure changes in the symptoms of nasal obstruction and snoring. The Vivaer system uses low energy radiofrequency to remodel the nasal sidewall in order to improve airflow. Results The study involved 31 patients presenting from 1st September 2017 to 1st May 2018 with symptoms of nasal obstruction and snoring. In all patients, an improvement was observed in nasal breathing measured by NOSE score, sleep quality by SOS questionnaire and quality of life as measured by EQ-5D and SNOT-22. Conclusion Vivaer intranasal remodeling can provide a durable and well-tolerated non-invasive treatment for those patients who are suffering congestion due to narrowness or collapse of the INV.
ISSN:0937-4477
1434-4726
DOI:10.1007/s00405-018-05270-y