Nasal obstruction is the blockage of the nasal cavity that impedes airflow in and out of the nose. There are multiple possible causes of nasal obstruction including septal deviation, turbinate enlargement, and nasal valve collapse.
LATERA is a novel nasal implant that may reduce nasal airway obstruction symptoms in patients with nasal valve collapse by supporting the upper and lower cartilage inside the wall of your nose.
What is LATERA?
LATERA is an absorbable nasal implant that is placed inside the nasal wall by your physician.
A small cannula, or tube, is inserted just inside the nostril. When the cannula tip reaches its target, a clear, thin absorbable implant is placed in a supporting position. The cannula is then removed. The implant provides the patient with ongoing cartilage support, preventing nasal valve collapse and delivering relief from nasal obstruction symptoms.
Does LATERA Work?
LATERA provided significant quality of life improvements. Two years following the procedure, patients surveyed report a significant reduction in their nasal obstruction symptoms.
A 2017 clinical study[1] showed that LATERA patients experienced:
- Reduced nasal congestion or stuffiness
- Less trouble breathing through the nose
- Improved ability to get enough air through the nose during exercise or exertion
- Reduced nasal blockage or obstruction
- Less trouble sleeping
Are There Risks?
Like any procedure, LATERA comes with risks. Patients may experience temporary symptoms such as mild bruising and inflammation, awareness of the implant, and mild pain or irritation. Other risks include discomfort, infection, reaction to material, and need for the device to be removed.
Patients experience no long-term adverse cosmetic changes with the LATERA implant.
Call Texas ENT & Allergy at (877) 377-4368 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
[1] San Nicoló M, Stelter K, Sadick H, Bas M, Berghaus A. Absorbable implant to treat nasal valve collapse. Facial Plast Surg. 2017;32:233-240.
