Author(s)
Auddie Sweis, MD
Joseph Raviv, MD
Riley Medenwald, Research Coordinator
Affiliation(s)
Endeavor Health;
Abstract:
Introduction: Nasal obstruction that is unresponsive to standard medical therapy may be an indication for surgery. The minimally-invasive VivAer procedure may be an effective alternative to traditional septoplasty and/or inferior turbinate reduction. We assessed objective improvement in nasal airflow secondary to the VivAer procedure by administering objective measures and patient questionnaires before and after the procedure.
Methods: From 10/2022 through the present, we conducted baseline measurements on or before the day of the procedure using PNIF meters and the SNOT-22 and NOSE questionnaires. Patients were then seen for follow up at 1, 3, and 6 months post-procedure. The same measurements conducted at baseline were repeated at these times. All necessary approvals were obtained by our IRB to conduct this research.
Results: Participants (n=14) were 64% female and an average of 59 years of age. We continue to see trends of improvement in all measures. Patients experienced improvement in nasal patency, as assessed using PNIF meters, by the 3-month follow up (p=0.0059). Patients also experienced improvement in NOSE (p=0.0391) and SNOT-22 (p=0.0039) scores by 1-month follow up. All of these improvements persisted at 6-month follow up.
Conclusion:
VivAer shows continued promise as a minimally-invasive alternative to traditional septoplasty and/or inferior turbinate reduction. The preliminary results of the study have shown positive trends in all measured outcomes. Patients experienced enhanced nasal patency, along with improvements in NOSE and SNOT-22 scores, attesting to the benefits of the procedure.