The above is not meant to imply endorsement of this
product by the American Rhinological Society or Mayo Clinic.
Study
Objectives
The Nasal
valve is the primary source of anterior nasal airway resistance, with
value pathology significantly contributing to airway obstruction. Surgical
procedures which address valve pathology include septoplasty, spreader
grafts, and valve M-plasty. However, many patients are either poor surgical
candidates or are reluctant to undergo surgery. This study determined
the objective validity of a non-surgical approach to the nasal valve
using a nasal device.
Study Design
Prospective controlled
trial utilizing rhinomanometric measurements of nasal airflow and resistance.
Each subject served as his/her own control. Twelve "Normal" adults with
no prior history of rhinologic surgery volunteered. Subjects underwent
anterior passive rhinomanometry at baseline while wearing the NoseWorks(TM)
nasal batten. Rhinomanometric measures of nasal resistance and airflow
were measured during normal breathing and supraphysiologic "sniff."
Study Results
Significant differences
were demonstrated during both normal breathing and "sniff" for airflow
and airway resistance when comparing the NoseWorks(TM) device with baseline
measurement at all inspiratory pressures (p < 0.01). During the "sniff,"
total airflow for subjects using NoseWorks(TM) was 621 ml/sec versus
471 ml/sec at baseline measurement (p < 0.001 by the Students' Two-railed
T test).
Study Conclusions
This study provides
effective evidence for the use of non-surgical devices within the rhinologist's
armamentarium. This device offers a valuable alternative for patients,
since it can (1) provide improved nasal airflow for patients who are
poor surgical candidates, and (2) simulate the positive surgical results
for patients considering surgery.
"For
patients who do not wish to have surgery or cannot for any reason, this
device can provide a much needed relief of nasal obstruction, snoring,
and mouth breathing."
From the
report by Dr. Shawn S. Nasseri M.D., presented at the 1999 American
Rhinologic Society Annual Meeting
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