The effect of the titanium butterfly implant on nasal patency and quality of life.

OBJECTIVE: The titanium butterfly implant seems to be a powerful technique to repair nasal valve insufficiency. However, the effect of these implants on nasal patency and quality of life has been controversial due to a lack of evidence. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the objective and subjective effect of the titanium butterfly implant on nasal patency and corresponding quality of life.

METHODS: Nasal patency and quality of life of 32 patients undergoing a titanium butterfly implant were evaluated by measuring peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) and completing three validated questionnaires: the NOSE, SNOT-22 and GBI, before surgery, six weeks and six months after surgery.

RESULTS: The mean PNIF increased significant after 6 weeks, as well as after 6 months. Both the NOSE and SNOT-22 questionnaire scores showed a significant decrease at both post-operative measurements. The GBI indicated a significant increase at 6 weeks and 6 months. There were no significant differences between both of the post-operative measurements.

CONCLUSION: This is the first study indicating that the titanium butterfly implant provides a significant and clinically relevant increase in nasal patency and corresponding quality of life in patients with nasal valve insufficiency.