RhinoFit: A Bionic Nasal Device for Mitigating Post-Operative Complications After Rhinosurgery

Abstract

Nasal obstructions represent a widespread problem worldwide. Nasal packing devices are often inserted into the patient nostrils to support the nasal septum and to facilitate healing of surgical wounds after surgical treatment. Currently available devices have some limitations and often raise complications, e.g., rather high risk of infections, adhesions between tissues and pain experienced by the patient. This paper describes a novel nasal packing device named RhinoFit, which aims to overcome such limitations. The device is based on a bionic design grounded on a standardized anatomical internal geometry of the natural nasal cavity. The device allows supporting the nasal septum and tamponing the surgical wounds, thanks to the presence of ad hoc designed units. In addition, the proposed system has two key features: (1) a washing/drainage channel to guarantee an easy removal of residual fluids from the nostril and to perform nasal washes, and (2) an internal chamber for the application of an adjustable pressure on the lateral wall of the nasal cavity, which could be adapted depending on the patient's pain level. The RhinoFit prototype fabrication and testing are reported, demonstrating its suitability as an effective nasal packing device, paving the way to a future clinical translation.