Sawangi's presurgical cartilage molder in infants with type D unilateral cleft lip and palate

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this article is to introduce a newer presurgical nasal cartilage molding device–Sawangi presurgical cartilage molder (SPCM) used extraorally for treating infants with unilateral cleft lip and alveolus; classified as type D according to the Daigavane and Hazarey classification. Methods: A 7-day-old male presented with unilateral cleft lip and alveolus categorized as type D according to the Daigavane and Hazarey classification. A head tape with a rectangular frame was used to support and mold the nasal cartilage with wireframe and nasal component fabricated with 0.8-mm stainless steel loaded with a soft liner nasal ball which was activated with the elastic. Discussion: The position of the nasal cartilaginous septum, nasal alar cartilage tip, medial and lateral crura were restored to normal. SPCM can be a helpful device in cleft lip ± alveolus to mold the cartilage and promote breastfeed simultaneously. It is easy to fabricate, less time-consuming, comfortable for the infant, and cost-effective.