All About Nasal Valve Collapse

Abstract

For correcting collapsed alae, blunt dissection of the septal mucoperichondrium through the transfixion incision is extended on both sides up to the vault of the upper lateral cartilages, which are severed from their insertion. I remodel the lower lateral cartilage and secure the lateral crus together with the upper alar groove in a less concave position with mattress sutures in cases of anterior valvular disturbance. The upper lateral cartilages are also fixed in a more convex position, particularly in cases of posterior valvular disturbance. In both anomalies a slightly convex septal or auricular slice cartilage graft placed over the concerned cartilage helps to keep the valve more open and the lateral wall in proper position. If necessary, in extreme secondary cases, one needs the help of bilateral cartilaginous or bony supports embedded subperiostally at the nasal bones.

An Adjustable, Butterfly-Design, Titanium–Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Implant for Nasal Valve Dysfunction

“…Changes that occur to the nose with age include elongation and weakening of the lower lateral cartilages, nasalis muscle atrophy, tip ptosis, and a generalized increased propensity for mucosal edema, particularly when supine. 3 In addition, the surrounding facial soft tissues become ptotic, with the resultant development of nasal-pyriform misalignment. All of these factors in the aging nose adversely affect the function of the nasal valve, both statically and dynamically.…”

Internal Nasal Valve: Revisited with Objective Facts

“…INV defined by Mink in 1903 was a slit-like opening between the caudal end of the upper lateral cartilages and the nasal septum, 1 whereas the INV area was described as the region from the junction point of the caudal part of the upper lateral cartilage with the septum to the bony point of the piriform aperture and the soft fibrofatty tissue in this region 3,4 …”

Septal Cartilage Graft for Nasal Valve Incompetence Associated with Deviated Septum

“…The diagnosis of nasal breathing impairment was obtained exclusively clinically based on clinical observation and patients' complaints. 8,19 Every patient was asked to grade pre-and postoperatively their breathing status using the questionnaire about nasal obstruction proposed by Gupta et al (1-2, poor breathing status; 3-4, good breathing status). 20,21 All patients were clinically evaluated at least three times within 6 months of their operation.…”

“…Rigid collapses are less frequent and require a surgical approach that is completely different to that used for flaccid ones. 8 For diagnostic distinction of this pathology, first Cinelli and then Fanous proposed an easy to perform probe test in which the lateral wall can be easily moved outward with slight pressure by using a Q-tip. 9,10 This leads to a significant improvement of the airway only in cases of flaccid collapse.…”