Our Specialties
Nasal Valve Collapse
Imagine being able to inhale fully and breathe comfortably through your nose…
We can diagnose and treat nasal airway obstructions and collapses, so you can improve your quality of life.
What is Nasal Airway Obstruction?
Nasal breathing delivers approximately 70% of airflow to the lungs. More than 20 million Americans are estimated to suffer from nasal airway obstruction (NAO), which limits airflow through the nose with significant quality of life consequences.
Symptoms may include:
- Difficulty breathing at rest and/or while exercising
- Trouble sleeping
What Causes Nasal Airway Obstruction?
Even slight narrowing of the nasal valve can lead to significant reduction in airflow. Structural blockages in three areas are common:
- Septum: The cartilage wall between the nostrils can bend and block the nasal passage.
- Turbinates: Ridges of bone and tissue inside the nose can limit airflow when enlarged.
- Lateral (side) wall: Weak or excessively flexible upper/lower cartilage in the outer nasal wall may cause it to collapse inward when a person inhales.
Lateral wall collapse may even surpass septal deviation as the prime cause of nasal airway obstruction.
Is Lateral Wall Collapse Contributing to my Nasal Airway Obstruction?
A clinician may use a number of approaches to determine whether the lateral wall is contributing to a patient’s Nasal Airway Obstruction. Examples include:
- A simple breathing test called the Cottle Maneuver
- Use of nasal strips during normal activity and sleep
VivAer® Procedure
Lasting relief is possible without surgery
If you regularly experience difficulty breathing through your nose and nothing seems to help, you may have nasal obstruction. Until now, finding a long-term solution often meant surgery. Now, we may be able to offer you lasting relief without surgery by performing the VivAer® procedure to open your nasal airway.
- Lasting Relief: 97% of patients experienced significant improvement in nasal breathing.*
- Non-invasive solution: Minimal discomfort, no incisions, and can be performed in our office.
- Live better: Clinically shown to significantly improve quality of life and provide long-lasting relief.*
Breathe better. Live better.
The VivAer® procedure is clinically proven to provide high satisfaction and lasting relief.* Patients typically return to normal daily activity the same day.
- 97% of patients experienced significant improvement in nasal breathing*
- 94% of patients improved their ability to get enough air through their nose during exercise or exertion*
- 89% of patients reported getting a better night’s sleep*
*Data on file. Aerin Medical TR680-01.
Am I a candidate for the VivAer® procedure?
To find out, perform this simple test, called the Cottle’s maneuver.
Did the Cottle’s maneuver help you breathe better? If so, you may be a candidate.
Hear From Our Patients
★★★★★
Andrea P.
Definitely one of the best doctors I’ve seen in a long time. He takes time listening to you and helping to explain different treatment options. He is clearly well experienced and treats his patients with dignity and respect. The staff is wonderful also.
