A miniature robotic steerable endoscope for maxillary sinus surgery called PliENT.

In endoscopic maxillary sinus surgery, the maxillary sinus is accessed through the nasal cavity which constitutes a narrow and tortuous pathway. However, surgeons still use rigid endoscopes and rigid, straight or pre-bent instruments for this procedure. Resection of the uncinate process and creation of a medial antrostomy is warranted to access the pathology inside the maxillary sinus and depending on the location of the pathology (lateral, inferior or anterior wall), additional resection of healthy tissue and/or functional structures like the lacrimal duct and/or inferior turbinate is necessary to gain optimal access. In order to avoid this additional resection, a functional single-handed, steerable endoscope for endoscopic maxillary sinus surgery has been designed and built. This endoscope is, to our knowledge, the most slender active steerable endoscope ever reported for maxillary sinus surgery. The performance of the endoscope was validated by two surgeons on a cadaver. An increased field of view was found in comparison to currently used endoscopes. As a direct consequence, a reduced need for resection of healthy tissue was confirmed.

Comparison of Absorbable Packing versus No Packing in Wound Healing after Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Nasal packing after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is controversial. The aim of this systematic review was to compare absorbable packing versus no packing in wound healing after ESS for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis. DATA SOURCE: English electronic databases, including Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PubMed, were searched, and only randomized controlled trials were included. METHODS: The outcome measures were the presence of synechiae/adhesion formation, mucosal edema, crusting, granulation formation, and infection. The McNemar's test was used for pooled analysis. RESULTS: Four studies with 148 participants were included. The pooled analysis showed that absorbable packing may offer benefit in reducing adhesion at 6-8 weeks (odds ratio [OR]: 0.3864; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.2136-0.7235) and 12 weeks (OR: 0.2396, 95% CI: 0.08267-0.7709) postoperatively compared with no packing. There was no significant difference between the packed and the unpacked side at 2, 6-8, and 12 weeks after ESS in terms of presence of crusting, edema, and granulation formation. CONCLUSION: There is insufficient evidence to suggest that absorbable packing after ESS does not increase mucosal edema, granulation formation, and infection. However, the absorbable packing may be more effective than no packing for the prevention of mucosal adhesion after ESS. The use of absorbable nasal packing after ESS is recommended when used to reduce postoperative mucosal adhesion. More research in this area is clearly needed.

A Method Based on 3D Shape Analysis Towards the Design of Flexible Instruments for Endoscopic Maxillary Sinus Surgery.

The emergence of steerable flexible instruments has widened the uptake of minimally invasive surgical techniques. In sinus surgery, such flexible instruments could enable the access to difficult-to-reach anatomical areas. However, design-oriented metrics, essential for the development of steerable flexible instruments for maxillary sinus surgery, are still lacking. This paper proposes a method to process measurements and provides the instrument designer with essential information to develop adapted flexible instruments for limited access surgery. This method was applied to maxillary sinus surgery and showed that an instrument with a diameter smaller than 2.4 mm can be used on more than 72.5% of the subjects' set. Based on the statistical analysis and provided that this flexible instrument can bend up to [Formula: see text] it is estimated that all areas within the maxillary sinus could be reached through a regular antrostomy without resorting to extra incision or tissue removal in 94.9% of the population set. The presented method was partially validated by conducting cadaver experiments.

Virtual Reality as Distraction Analgesia and Anxiolysis for Pediatric Otolaryngology Procedures.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: While virtual reality (VR) has been used as analgesia and anxiolysis for invasive procedures, no literature exists on the use of VR in the pediatric otolaryngology setting. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of VR in reducing pain and anxiety for pediatric otolaryngology patients. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. METHODS: A total of 53 patients aged 7-17 undergoing in-office nasal endoscopies were included. Patients were randomized to receive VR or standard of care. Procedural pain, anxiety, and satisfaction scores were recorded from patients and caregivers. The physician filled out a childhood emotional manifestation scale (CEMS). RESULTS: Patients in VR group reported a significant decrease in pain (0.80 ± 1.06 vs. 2.26 ± 2.38, P = .018) and anxiety (9.50 ± 12.48 vs. 38.48 ± 29.83, P = .0002) and increase in procedural satisfaction (6.40 ± 0.77 vs. 4.74 ± 1.74, P = .0002) compared to patients in control group. CEMS scores were significantly reduced in VR group (5.15 ± 0.46 vs. 9.64 ± 5.66, P = .0001) and caregiver anxiety levels were significantly reduced in VR group (11.50 ± 17.67 vs. 27.39 ± 30.48, P = .041) compared to control group. There were no reported side effects. Procedural time did not significantly differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: For pediatric otolaryngology patients undergoing in-office nasal endoscopies, VR is a safe and effective form of distraction analgesia and anxiolysis, significantly reducing pain and increasing procedural satisfaction for patients. In addition, VR significantly reduces anxiety for both patients and caregivers without disrupting procedural efficiency and workflow. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2. Laryngoscope, 131:E1714-E1721, 2021.

Comparison of 4 sinus augmentation techniques for implant placement with residual alveolar bone height ≤3 mm.

This study compared implant outcomes following maxillary sinus floor augmentation (MSFA) in edentulous patients with a residual alveolar bone height ≤3 mm. Four techniques were evaluated: 1-stage bone-added osteotome sinus floor elevation procedure (BAOSFE) with simultaneous implant placement; 2-stage BAOSFE with delayed implant placement; 1-stage lateral window sinus floor elevation with simultaneous implant placement; and 2-stage lateral window sinus floor elevation with delayed implant placement. Patients were followed for 18 to 72 months (mean: 52.5 months) after prosthesis placement. Data were analyzed with cone-beam computed tomography. A total of 96 implants from 71 patients were analyzed; pretreatment, there were no significant differences between patients. Total implant survival was 98.9%. The mean residual bone height was significantly higher in the 1-stage BAOSFE group than the other groups (P < .01); 1 implant in this group failed at 3 months. There was no significant difference in total bone height gain between groups. However, the bone height gain of 1st sinus lifting with 2-stage BAOSFE was significantly lower than the 2-stage lateral window procedure (P < .01). There was no prosthesis failure. The favorable implant outcomes suggest these 1-stage and 2-stage MSFA procedures should be considered as alternative treatment options for patients with extremely atrophic posterior maxilla.

The use of modified Silastic nasal splints as frontal sinus stents: a technical note.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic frontal sinus surgery is frequently complicated by post-operative stenosis and obstruction of the frontal sinus outflow tract, resulting in recurrent disease. Frontal sinus stents may help prevent re-occlusion of the frontal neo-ostia. OBJECTIVE: This paper presents a simple and cost-effective approach to frontal sinus stenting using modified Silastic nasal splints. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The current technique provides an effective, reliable and inexpensive method for achieving post-operative frontal sinus outflow tract patency.

Coblation versus microdebrider-assisted turbinoplasty for endoscopic inferior turbinates reduction.

OBJECTIVE: Patients suffering from persistent inferior turbinates hypertrophy refractory to medical treatments require surgical intervention where the main aim is symptomatic relief without any complications. Extraturbinoplasty is one of the preferred procedures for turbinate reduction due to its efficacy in freeing up nasal space by removing the obstructing soft tissue and bone while preserving the turbinate mucosa. We sought to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of microdebrider assisted turbinoplasty (MAT) and coblation assisted turbinoplasty (CAT) performed as an extraturbinoplasty procedure. METHODS: A prospective randomized comparative trial was conducted among patients with bilateral nasal blockage secondary to inferior turbinates hypertrophy. Patients were randomly assigned to MAT or CAT. An extraturbinal medial flap turbinoplasty was performed for both techniques. Symptom assessment was based on the visual analogue score for nasal obstruction, sneezing, rhinorrhea, headache and hyposmia. Turbinate size, edema and secretions were assessed by nasoendoscopic examination. The assessments were done preoperatively, at 1st postoperative week, 2nd and 3rd postoperative months. Postoperative morbidity like pain, bleeding, crusting and synechiae were documented. The clinical outcomes of both techniques were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: A total of 33 participants were recruited, 17 patients randomized for MAT and 16 patients for CAT. Nasal obstruction, discharge, sneezing, headache and hyposmia significantly reduced from 1st week until 3 months for both procedures. Similar significant reductions were seen for turbinate size, edema and secretions. However, there was no significant difference in symptoms and turbinate size reduction were seen between both groups at the first postoperative week, 2nd and 3rd postoperative months. There was significant longer operating time for CAT when compared to MAT (p = 0.001). The postoperative complications of bleeding, crusting and synechiae did not occur in both groups. CONCLUSION: Both MAT and CAT were equally effective in improving nasal symptoms and achieving turbinate size reduction in patients with inferior turbinate hypertrophy. Both MAT and CAT offer maximal relieve in patients experiencing inferior turbinates hypertrophy by removing the hypertrophied soft tissue together with the turbinate bone without any complications.

Extent of maxillary sinus surgery and its effect on instrument access, irrigation penetration, and disease clearance.

BACKGROUND: Middle meatal antrostomy (MMA) provides limited access to the anteromedial and inferior aspect of the maxillary sinus (MS) often resulting in residual disease and inflammatory burden. Newer extended procedures, such as mega-antrostomy (Mega-A) and extended modified mega-antrostomy (EMMA), have been developed to address this limitation. This study assesses the effect of varying extent of MS surgery on irrigation penetration and access of instrumentation. METHODS: The MS of 5 fresh-frozen cadavers were sequentially dissected. Irrigation was evaluated with a squeeze bottle (SB) in different head positions and using different volumes of fluid. Surgical reach and visualization were examined using common sinus instruments and different angled endoscopes. A disease simulation was also performed to check for residual debris after instrumentation and irrigations. RESULTS: Irrigation penetration improved as antrostomy size increased (p < 0.0001), with a significant difference observed between the extended procedures and MMA. The effect of the volume was significant for SB (p < 0.0001) but head positions appeared irrelevant (p = 0.613). Overall visualization improved for Mega-A and EMMA. A similar trend was seen for the reach of the instruments to all sinus wall subsites. EMMA facilitated the most removal of "sinus disease" in the disease simulation model when compared with both MMA and Mega-A, due to its reach of the anteroinferior aspects of the maxillary sinus. CONCLUSIONS: High-volume irrigation using SB achieved good sinus penetration, irrespective of head position. Extended MS procedures appear to further increase irrigation penetration as well as surgical access.

Coblation-Assisted Turbinoplasty: A Comparative Analysis of Reflex Ultra and Turbinator Wand.

Coblation is a novel technology and has a wide application in the field of otorhinolaryngology. We conducted a randomized, noncontrolled study to compare the effectiveness of 2 types of wands used for turbinoplasty for nasal obstruction due to inferior turbinate hypertrophy. Reflex Ultra and Turbinator wands were compared on a total of 150 patients. These patients were divided into a group of 75 patients each in a randomized manner. Results were compared based on the visual analog scale, and objective assessment was done on the basis of endoscopic assessment, that is, Nasal Endoscopic Score (NES). Assessment was done on postoperative day 7, first month, third month, and first year. Both groups demonstrated significant and similar results in long term, but an immediate improvement at 1 week was seen in the Turbinator group. Hence, we conclude that coblation turbinoplasty is an effective technique for turbinate reduction and both wands are equally effective in long term. However, Reflex Ultra has the advantage of mucosal preservation and minimal morbidity, and Turbinator has the advantage of immediate relief in nasal symptoms.

Utilization and reimbursements for sinus procedures: A five-year analysis.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Balloon sinuplasty has become an increasingly popular option for patients undergoing surgical treatment of sinusitis. This study analyzes utilization and growth of these procedures across a large cohort of patients over a 5-year period. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective data review. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of Medicare utilization and billing data. Utilization and payment values were obtained from Medicare claims data using Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services datasets. All Medicare claims were analyzed from 2012 to 2016. Data were extracted for balloon sinuplasty and endoscopic sinus surgery claims. Procedure location, total submitted claims, charges, and payments were compared. RESULTS: From 2012 to 2016, the number of balloon procedures increased from 5,603 to 25,640. Traditional endoscopic sinus surgery procedures increased from 15,509 to 18,164. Aggregate Medicare payments to otolaryngologists for endoscopic sinus surgery have remained relatively stable, whereas there has been a 450% increase in total payments to providers of balloon sinuplasty. In 2016, total payments to providers of balloon procedures ($40.5 million) were substantially higher than payments to providers of non-balloon-based endoscopic sinus surgery ($4.7 million). The number of providers performing balloon procedures has increased 277% versus 17% for traditional sinus surgery. CONCLUSIONS: There has been a rapid expansion in the number of sinus procedures in the Medicare population from 2012 to 2016. Office-based balloon procedures account for the overwhelming majority of the increases in procedures and payments. Per procedure and aggregate payments are now higher for sinuplasty procedures than for traditional sinus surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 129:2224-2229, 2019.

Multiple bioabsorbable corticosteroid-eluting stent placement with associated skull base injury.

Bioabsorbable corticosteroid-eluting sinus stents (BCES) are used to optimize healing after sinus surgery. We report a patient with BCES placed through a dural defect. A 70 year old underwent sinus surgery. Postoperatively, the patient developed mental status changes. The patient was taken to the operating room and eight BCES were identified, with one extending through the skull base. The stents were extracted and the defect was repaired. The patient recovered well. This is the first significant complication associated with BCES. Thorough review of preoperative imaging, understanding of skull base anatomy, and careful use of BCES are critical for safety. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 129:1494-1496, 2019.

Historical Instruments for the Modern Sinus Surgeon.

BACKGROUND: Despite a proliferation of technological advances in sinonasal surgery, "cold steel" instruments still comprise the core of the sinus surgeon's tools of the trade. Many of these implements retain eponyms that recall the legacies of prominent surgeons of the past. OBJECTIVE: This review aims to familiarize the reader with the lives of 10 men who designed and popularized some of the most recognizable sinus instruments, without which the practice of rhinologic surgery would be unrecognizable. RESULTS: Ten individuals whose inventions are still used to this day and retain their names: Hartmann, Killian, Freer, Blakesley, Weil, Frazier, Grünwald, Hajek, Takahashi, and Cottle. CONCLUSION: Review of the history of these instruments helps demonstrate how sinus surgery has evolved to where it is today. The men described in this review transformed the practice of rhinologic surgery with their ingenuity and perseverance.

The mini-incision technique for carpal tunnel release using nasal instruments in Chinese patients.

Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) remains a challenge for hand surgeons. Carpal tunnel release (CTR) using nasal instruments has the advantages of both endoscopy and open surgery. In this study we aimed to explore the effectiveness of CTR using nasal instruments in Chinese patients.We present a case series of 49 cases of idiopathic CTS treated with the mini-incision technique using nasal instruments. The average recovery days before return to normal work and complications were recorded. The mean grip strength, pinch strength, and sensation were evaluated. Subjective results were evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS), Levine Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (LCTSQ), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), and Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36).The mean follow-up was 13 months. No return of symptoms or blood vessel injury occurred. The incidence of scar tenderness was only 8.1%, later pillar pain (after 4 weeks) was 18.4%, and average recovery time to return to normal work was 23.7 days. The mean grip strength, pinch strength, and sensation were significantly improved (P < .001). The VAS, LCTSQ, and DASH survey postoperative mean scores were lower than the preoperative scores (P < .001). SF-36 scores were significantly increased following surgery (P < .001).We conclude that the mini-incision technique for CTR using nasal instruments in Chinese patients is safe, effective, and low cost. It is worthwhile for the technique to be promoted and used.

Advances in Microdebrider Technology: Improving Functionality and Expanding Utility.

Since its application in nasal surgery, the microdebrider has revolutionized the practice of endoscopic sinus surgery. As the demands and breadth of procedures performed endoscopically have increased, so has the need for improvement in the microdebrider and related technologies. This article addresses how use of the microdebrider has impacted endonasal surgery and discusses current advances, which include creation of specialty hand pieces and blades, increases in instrument rotational speed, incorporation of navigation and energy, adaptation for intracranial use, and disposable instrumentation designed for in office use. Advances in microdebrider technology have improved functionality and expanded the utility of these devices.

Effects of polymer-based, silver nanoparticle-coated silicone splints on the nasal mucosa of rats.

Infection is a serious complication after nasal packing that otolaryngologists seek to avoid. The aim of this study is to investigate the use of silver (Ag) nanoparticle, which serves as antimicrobial agents, with nasal tampons. The study design is an experimental animal model and the setting is tertiary referral center. Twenty-four rats were randomized into the following four groups: (1) control group (n = 6); (2) silicone nasal splint (SNS) group (n  =  6); (3) polypropylene-grafted polyethylene glycol (PP-g-PEG) amphiphilic graft copolymer-coated SNS group (n  =  6); and (4) Ag nanoparticle-embedded PP-g-PEG (Ag-PP-g-PEG) amphiphilic graft copolymer-coated SNS group (n  =  6). These tampons were applied to rats for 48 h, after which they were removed in a sterile manner, and the rats were sacrificed. The nasal septa of the rats were excised, and assessments of tissue changes in the nasal mucosa were compared among the groups. The removed tampons were microbiologically examined, and quantitative analyses were made. When the groups were compared microbiologically, there were no significant differences in bacterial colonization rates of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. among the three groups (p = 0.519), but there was a statistically significant difference among bacterial colonization rates of Heamophilus parainfluenzae and Corynebacterium spp. (p = 0.018, p = 0.004). We found that H. parainfluenzae grew less robustly in the Ag-PP-g-PEG than the PP-g-PEG group (p = 0.017). However, we found no significant difference between the Ag-PP-g-PEG and SNS groups, or between the SNS and PP-g-PEG groups. The growth of Corynebacterium spp. did not differ significantly between the Ag-PP-g-PEG and SNS groups (p = 1.000). When Group 4 was compared with Group 2, the former showed less inflammation. Compared with other tampons, Ag-PP-g-PEG amphiphilic graft copolymer-coated silicone nasal tampons caused less microbiological colonization and inflammation. Therefore, the use of these tampons may prevent secondary infections and reduce the risk of developing complications by minimizing tissue damage.

A randomised, single-blind comparison of high-level disinfectants for flexible nasendoscopes.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the microbiological efficacy, turnaround time, cost, convenience, and patient and user tolerance of Tristel Trio Wipes, PeraSafe solution and Cidex OPA solution for the high-level disinfection of flexible nasendoscopes. METHODS: Flexible nasendoscopes were used in routine clinical encounters. They were then disinfected with one of the three disinfectant methods. Surveillance cultures were taken before and after each disinfection process. Data relating to each of the study parameters were recorded. RESULTS: Positive bacterial cultures were discovered on nasendoscopes disinfected with PeraSafe and Cidex OPA. Tristel Trio Wipes have no capital outlay cost, the lowest running cost, the greatest convenience and the fastest turnaround time. PeraSafe had a faster turnaround time than Cidex OPA, and lower running costs. CONCLUSION: Tristel Trio Wipes are equal to PeraSafe and Cidex OPA in terms of microbiological efficacy. Turnaround time and cost are dramatically reduced when using Tristel Trio Wipes compared to the other disinfectant methods.

Ultrastructural regenerating features of nasal mucosa following microdebrider-assisted turbinoplasty are related to clinical recovery.

BACKGROUND: The nasal mucosa plays a key role in conditioning the inhaled air and in regulating the immune response. These functions led many authors to recommend mucosal sparing techniques for the surgical management of inferior turbinate hypertrophy. However, the histological modifications of chronic diseases retain the inflammatory activity and prevent the nasal physiology restoration. It has been proved that the basal cells of the nasal mucosa are able to proliferate and to repair after cold-knife incision. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that the healing process after removal of the inferior turbinate mucosa with cold techniques results in a complete structural restoration. METHODS: A prospective study was performed in 18 patients who underwent Microdebrider inferior turbinoplasty (cold technique). Subjective and objective improvement of nasal patency was evaluated with visual analogue scale, rhinomanometry, videoendoscopy and mucociliary transport test. Pre- and post-operative biopsy specimens were taken from 7 patients to evaluate the healing process. Two samples were taken from two healthy patients as control. The specimens were processed for transmission electron microscopy analysis. RESULTS: Videoendoscopy showed reduction of lower turbinate after surgery. Nasal patency augmented and no adverse consequences were observed. After 4 months the nasal mucosa showed normal appearance, with restoration of the pseudostratified ciliated pattern, intercellular connections and normal cellular morphology. Fibrosis and submucosal edema disappeared. At longer time after operation (4 years) clinical improvement was confirmed. CONCLUSIONS: The total removal of the nasal mucosa with cold techniques results in a complete restoration of the normal structure and permanent resolution of the chronic inflammation typical of hypertrophic rhinopathy.