Rhinoplasty appliance and method of forming the same

Abstract

A rhinoplasty appliance is provided that may be custom-molded to a patient's nasal anatomy, including the nostrils, to maintain the corrected contour of the nostrils after rhinoplastic surgery. The rhinoplasty appliance may include a support wire; a first and second wire flanges; a first and second nostril insertion portions, each having a passage and an aperture to permit flow of air and drainage; a connecting structure to maintain the position of the nostril insertion portions in relation to each other, and to provide support and protection for the columella. The first and second wire flange may help to secure the rhinoplasty appliance in position on the patient's face, and improve retention of the first and second nostril insertion portions in the patient's nostrils. The support wire may be provided as added support for the connecting structure.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61 / 841,504, filed Jul. 1, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]Cleft palate is one of the most common craniofacial disorders, with a prevalence of 1 / 700 live births. Craniofacial problems are not only of skeletal nature, but may also involve musculature and soft tissue.[0003]Clinicians, particularly plastic surgeons, face difficulties in maintaining the corrected shape and size of the human nostril following surgery in patients with cleft lip and / or palate, cranio-facial abnormalities and the like. For example, the forces of scar contracture may lead to stenotic nostrils. In many such cases, after surgery, a nasal stent of a fixed size dependent on the patient's specific measurements and nostril configuration may be inserted and retained in the nasal cavity.[0004]Previously, round tubes were used following surgery to re...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a rhinoplasty appliance that is made to fit a patient's nasal nostrils after surgery. It helps keep the spine of the nostrils in the correct place and prevents them from becoming bent or crooked. The appliance is simple and cheap to make and can be made from materials like metal or plastic. Its design is flexible and can be adjusted to different needs. Its use is easy and doesn't require a visit to the dentist.

Problems solved by technology

Craniofacial problems are not only of skeletal nature, but may also involve musculature and soft tissue.

Clinicians, particularly plastic surgeons, face difficulties in maintaining the corrected shape and size of the human nostril following surgery in patients with cleft lip and / or palate, cranio-facial abnormalities and the like.

For example, the forces of scar contracture may lead to stenotic nostrils.

However, such round tubes have proven unsuitable aesthetically because they promote healing of the nostril with a round shape, which is unappealing since the normal nostril shape is not truly round.

These stents tend to easily fall out or be extruded in use, particularly in children.

They may be retained in proper placement with transseptal sutures, but sutures may be uncomfortable or may have complications.

Therefore, there is currently an unmet need for a rhinoplasty appliance for use after surgery that protects the columella and nasal nostrils while improving and maintaining the desired shape and form of the nasal nostril.

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