Roughly 70 percent of the air you breathe comes through your nose.
But about 20 million Americans have some type of nasal airway obstruction (NAO) that makes it difficult or impossible to sufficiently breathe through the nose. If this is what you are experiencing, you may benefit from the Latera implant if other treatment options haven’t helped.
Why Consider a Latera Implant
Blockages within the nose that affect the passage of air can develop in different locations. For some people with NAO, the upper and lower cartilage that makes up the side of the nose can collapse inward while breathing. Other times, the nasal septum – the cartilage between your nostrils – blocks airflow. Nostril structures that help filter your air (turbinates) can also become enlarged or inflamed. These are just some of the reasons why you may have some type of nasal obstruction. A lateral wall implant, like the Latera implant, is meant for individuals with NAO related to upper or lower cartilage collapse.
Your doctor may recommend a nasal implant if:
- You’ve tried medication and other conservative treatments without success
- Your inability to breathe sufficiently through your nose is contributing to sleep apnea and other potentially serious health problems
- Your overall quality of life is being affected
How Does the Latera Implant Work?
Local anesthesia is usually all that’s necessary for this procedure. The Latera Absorbable Nasal Implant is then placed in the nasal wall during a minimally invasive procedure. The device is designed to provide support for your nose’s upper and lower lateral cartilage. The implant is designed to be absorbed over a period of approximately 18 months. This allows for the possibility of having other treatments in the future.
What Happens Before and After the Procedure?
If you respond well to the implant, you may notice benefits that include reduced nasal congestion, an improved ability to breathe through your nose, improved sleep quality, and a better ability to continue breathing through your nose during vigorous exercise or physical exertion.
Because your nasal obstruction needs to be related to lateral nose wall problems in order to benefit from the Latera implant, a thorough examination of your nose will be done prior to recommending this solution. A common test performed is called the Cottle Maneuver (CM), which involves pulling on one side of the cheek with two fingers. This is done to open the nasal valve. If you are suddenly able to breathe through your nose without difficulty when this valve is opened, you likely have an issue with lateral wall collapse.
Additional pre-procedure testing may involve a nasal endoscopy to view deeper into your nose and sinus passages to look for other possible sources of obstruction. Post-procedure, patients are typically advised to:
- Avoid nose blowing until tissues have healed
- Be cautious with activities for a few weeks
- Avoid sleeping directly on the face
Mild bruising, irritation, and an awareness of the implant are among some of the potential side effects or post-procedure associated with the Latera implant. However, issues of this nature are usually temporary. You’ll have a chance to discuss your experience with the implant during follow-up visits at Nasal & Sinus Surgery Center. According to one survey, nearly 60 percent of patients reported a reduction in nasal obstruction after six months.