The diagnosis and treatment of nasal valve collapse

Abstract

The nasal valve is a complex structure that can be weakened from effects of aging, surgery, and trauma. A variety of methods have been described to strengthen the nasal valve region and prevent or treat nasal obstruction, such as batten grafts, spreader grafts, butterfly grafts, flare sutures, and suspension sutures. They will be briefly discussed here, but the intent of this review is to highlight the new developments in the treatment nasal valve collapse that have appeared in the literature over the last few years. Various surgical techniques and approaches for addressing nasal valve collapse have been described in the literature. Still, new techniques continue to be developed and old techniques continue to be improved upon. More specifically, minimally invasive and endoscopic approaches are being developed and improvements are made on the use of graft materials. Finally, alternatives to surgery are explored for the treatment of nasal valve collapse. The aim of the new advances in the treatment of nasal valve collapse is to maximize the benefit from the surgical intervention while minimizing disruption of the normal anatomy and physiology of the nose. Another trend in the new advances explores the nonsurgical options for the treatment of nasal valve collapse.