VivAer®, the non-invasive, office-friendly solution for nasal airway obstruction, was recently featured in a BackTable ENT podcast discussing in-office procedures for nasal valve obstruction. The podcast, featuring Dr. Mary Ashmead of Texas Ear, Nose, & Throat Specialists, was developed as a resource for otolaryngologists to learn tips, techniques, and practical advice on patient selection, treatment planning, and more.
Dr. Ashmead opened the podcast by highlighting the importance of conducting a nasal exam on all patients, sharing, “The tricky part is that a lot of nasal obstruction patients come in for something totally different. You start to examine them and talk to them and sure enough they have really significant nasal obstruction.” She continued, “I think we’re doing a disservice if we don’t at least do a cursory exam, or ask about nasal obstruction. Because otherwise we’re going to miss some of these patients.”
Dr. Ashmead explained that in addition to conducting a physical exam, she has found success using the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) survey. This validated survey is provided to her patients prior to her examination to assess their nasal obstruction symptoms.
Next, the podcast covered the in-office procedures available for treating nasal valve obstruction. Dr. Ashmead shared that the type of therapy she leverages is influenced by the patient’s goals coupled with other considerations such as the patient’s skin thickness, potential changes to the appearance of the nose, and recovery time.
When discussing the VivAer procedure, Dr. Ashmead explained that it is a great option for both patients who want to avoid surgery or changing the appearance of their nose as well as physicians looking for a single solution that can treat the entire nasal valve. She shared, “One of the great things about this device is that it works equally well for dynamic and static collapse.” She continued, “And you can use this device on the turbinates too. You can use it on the swell body.”
For more practical tips and best practices, listen to the full episode here.
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