Apparatus and methods for correcting nasal valve collapse

摘要

The present invention relates to apparatus ad methods for correcting nasal valve collapse comprising a device configured for suspending a nasal valve, the device comprising a body portion comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of barbs, wherein the body portion is configured to be inserted through or underneath the upper lateral cartilage of a patient and wherein the plurality of barbs are configured to engage a soft tissue overlying a bony tissue proximal to the upper lateral cartilage, and a head portion coupled to the proximal end of the body portion wherein the head portion is configured to engage the upper lateral cartilage of the patient when the plurality of barbs are engaged with the soft tissue overlying the bony tissue proximal to the upper lateral cartilage.

主权项

1. A method of stabilizing the upper lateral cartilage of a patient, the method comprising:
creating an aperture in the mucosa of the patient; inserting into the aperture a device comprising a body portion having a plurality of barbs disposed along only one side and a head portion extending from a proximal end of the body portion, wherein the body portion of the device is inserted into the aperture prior to the head portion; advancing the device into the aperture so that the head portion engages the upper lateral cartilage of the patient and applies tension to the upper lateral cartilage; and engaging the plurality of barbs into a soft tissue overlying a bony tissue proximal to the upper lateral cartilage of the patient to maintain the tension on the upper lateral cartilage.