Latera Absorbable Nasal Implant

• Do the side-walls of your nose collapse when you breathe in?
• Does your nose block when you take a deep breath or exercise?
• Do you breathe better when you use “Breathe-Right” strips?
• Would you like to breathe normally through your nose?
• Have you heard about the “LATERA” Absorbable Nasal Implant?

Read this page to find out how your nose’s side-wall collapse and blockage can be fixed using the Latera® Absorbable Nasal Implant and how you can breathe normally through your nose:

The Latera Absorbable Nasal Implant supports the side-walls of the nose, treating nasal valve collapse and improving breathing through the nose. By reinforcing the side-walls of the nose, Latera can improve your blocked nose, helping you to breathe more easily.

What is the Latera Implant?

Latera is an absorbable nasal implant used to support the cartilage inside the side-wall of your nose. Supporting this cartilage may reduce blocked nose and help you breathe better.

How does the Latera Implant work?

The implant is inserted into the side-wall of your nose in a simple procedure. Once placed, the Latera implant supports the nose’s side-wall cartilage, reducing collapse and improving airflow through the nose. Over time (around 18-24 months), the implant is absorbed by the body and replaced with natural tissue, which maintains the side-wall support.

What are the benefits of the Latera Implant?

Patients treated with the LATERA implant say that they benefit from:

• Less nasal congestion or stuffiness
• Less trouble breathing through the nose
• Improved ability to get enough air through the nose during exercise or exertion
• Reduced nasal blockage or obstruction
• Less trouble sleeping

These benefits improve quality of life for people who have blocked nose due to side-wall collapse in the nose.

Is the Latera Implant safe?

Scientific research has demonstrated that the LATERA implant is safe and effective. Risks are generally temporary and may include mild bruising and inflammation, awareness of the implant, and mild pain or irritation. Other potential risks include discomfort, infection, reaction to the implant material, and the need for device retrieval.

Will the Latera Implant change the shape of my nose?

The LATERA implant is designed to provide internal support without changing the shape of the nose.

How long does the Latera Implant last?

The LATERA implant is absorbed by the body over a period of roughly 18 to 24 months. As it is absorbed, the implant is replaced by the body's natural tissue, which continues to provide the necessary support to the side-wall of the nose.

Am I a candidate for the Latera Implant?

If you have blocked nose due to side-wall collapse (nasal valve collapse) of the nose, you may be a candidate for the Latera implant.

How can I find out if I need a Latera implant?

Always see your GP first. Your GP will look inside your nose and may order some tests or prescribe some medications. If your GP cannot fix your nasal problems, ask your GP for a referral to see Dr Singh and call us to make an appointment.

How can Dr Singh find out if I need a Latera implant?

Dr Singh is a nose and sinus specialist. Dr Singh uses special tests to find out if you have side-wall collapse and would benefit from a Latera implant.

What tests can Dr Singh perform?

Dr Singh will examine your nose using special instruments.

Dr Singh will pass a super-fine camera into your nose to look at the septum, turbinates and side-walls (the nose is made numb first using a special numbing spray). You can watch the camera on a TV monitor and see for yourself if you have side-wall collapse of the nose.

What other tests can be ordered?

Some other tests that Dr Singh or your GP may order include:

• CT scan - This can show the anatomy of your nose and sinuses. Unfortunately, CT is NOT a very accurate way to diagnose side-wall collapse. The most accurate test is to have Dr Singh examine the nose with a special camera.
• Skin prick tests – These can show if you have allergy (Allergic Rhinitis)
• Blood tests (Allergen-specific IgE/ RAST/ ImmunoCAP) – These can show if you have allergy (Allergic Rhinitis). Blood tests are not as accurate as skin prick tests but are easier to perform.

Despite all the tests and high-technology available, the single most accurate tool is your doctor’s skill, knowledge and experience!

Can my side-wall collapse (nasal valve collapse) be fixed?

Yes.

Almost every case of side-wall collapse (nasal-valve collapse) can be treated.

How is side-wall collapse (nasal valve collapse) treated?

The treatment used will depend on Dr Singh’s examination findings:

• Simple non-surgical treatments include “Breath-right” strips or the “Mute” device. These can be good temporary options, but are only useful at night, not during the day. If you would prefer a more permanent solution that works during the day, the next step is to consider surgical options:
• The Latera absorbable nasal implant is a simple, safe, effective option.
• The most effective option is to perform a Functional Septorhinoplasty operation, with reconstruction of the nasal valve. This usually requires extra cartilage – either from your nose, your ear, your rib, or from donor cartilage. It also results in some change in the shape of the nose – usually a bit wider in the lower third. Because this is a bigger operation, many patients choose the Latera implant instead – the Latera implant is not as effective but is a much simpler procedure.

If you have a deviated septum as well as side-wall collapse, Dr Singh will recommend septoplasty, along with inferior turbinoplasty.

Some patients ask for the shape of their nose to be corrected at the same time. This requires a Rhinoplasty operation.

Patients with other sinus or nose problems often undergo other procedures at the same time. Examples include:

• Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)
• Polypectomy
• Removal of tumours/ cancers

How is the Latera implant procedure performed?

Dr Singh performs Latera implants while you are asleep (general anaesthesia). There are no cuts on the outside of the nose. The shape of the nose is not changed. There is no plaster. There will be small paper-tape strips placed over the nose for one week afterwards.

Are there any alternative treatments to surgery?

Yes. There are always options and it is always your choice as to whether to have surgery. In general, you can try other options first and choose surgery if nothing else works. Non-surgical options include:

1. Do Nothing. If your problem is not severe, you may choose not to have any treatment at all.
2. Simple treatments (Saline rinse). Try rinsing the nose 2-4 times a day with salty water from your pharmacy.
3. Medications. Try Nasal steroid sprays and antihistamine tablets/ sprays from your pharmacy or from your GP. They work best for people with allergy but may sometimes help people without allergy.
4. “Breath-right” strips/ “Mute” device. Try “Breath-right” strips or the “Mute” device from your pharmacy. They can only be used at night and you will still feel blocked during the day. “Breath-right” strips can irritate the skin or not stick well in some people and the “Mute” device can be uncomfortable to wear inside the nose.

We recommend that you see your GP first and consider trying these non-surgical options. Then see Dr Singh when you are ready for surgery. There is a long waiting list to see Dr Singh and it is best if you see Dr Singh for surgery after the non-surgical treatments have failed.

Are there any risks to surgery?

Yes. Everything we do in life has risks. Even something as simple as crossing the street has risks... but we still cross the street. Dr Singh will explain the risks of your operation and provide you with an information pamphlet that explains the risks in detail. If you have any questions about risks, ask Dr Singh during your consultation.

What should I do next?

See your GP. If your GP is unable to fix your nasal problems, ask your GP for a referral to see Dr Singh

I have already seen a doctor – I was told nothing could be done for my nasal problems. What should I do?

Most cases of side-wall collapse (nasal valve collapse) of the nose can be fixed or improved. Dr Singh is a nose and sinus specialist and has expertise in difficult and complex cases.

Consider asking your GP for a referral to see Dr Singh.