CHICAGO, Nov. 14, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dr. Jordan Pritikin and Dr. Nadia Caballero (Chicago Nasal & Sinus Center) are among the first in the Chicago area to offer the LATERA® absorbable nasal implant, to address one of the main causes of nasal obstruction which affects more than 20 million Americans.i Nasal obstruction restricts airflow through the nose and often negatively impacts one’s quality of life.ii Symptoms include nasal congestion, labored nasal breathing, challenges getting enough air through the nose while exercising, and trouble sleeping.iii

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4ced621c-a4d9-4d7b-bed7-b9f8b5eaa99d

During inhalation, the rapid passage of air through the nose creates negative pressure, pulling the nostrils inward and crowding the nasal passages. If the cartilage is weak, the nasal sidewalls collapse inward, effectively closing off the nose.iii,iv,v  According to Dr. Caballero, the LATERA absorbable nasal implant supports this tissue, preventing collapse and allowing people to breathe better through their nose without a major operation and without any change in their appearance.

“For years, we focused on problems inside the nose but ignored the nasal sidewall because we didn’t have a good way to address problems in this area,” said Dr. Pritikin. “Nasal sidewall collapse was under-treated because conventional treatment options typically required harvesting cartilage from somewhere else in the body. Not only does this carry risk of injury or disfigurement, the addition of more tissue into a crowded space may actually worsen the problem. Research shows that the LATERA implant can relieve obstruction by stiffening the nasal sidewalls without adding bulk or changing the appearance of the nose, allowing surgeons to address multiple causes of nasal obstruction. We are proud to be among the first practices to offer LATERA to our patients and believe that it demonstrates our commitment to staying at the forefront of medicine and patient care.”

“As an avid athlete, it was particularly frustrating to have difficulty breathing through my nose – toting a box of tissues is not conducive for yoga, running or cycling,” said Steve Boudreau, Dr. Pritikin’s patient and LATERA recipient. “Thanks to Dr. Pritikin and LATERA, I am able to breathe better – I also have less difficulty sleeping; the results have exceeded my expectations, allowing me to remain active without constant nasal congestion.”

LATERA implants have been placed in thousands of patients who had difficulty breathing through their nose due to nasal sidewall collapse. Almost 9 out of 10 patients noted significant improvement in their nasal breathing (86%) without significant change in their appearance.vi

To help determine if you are a candidate for LATERA, you can conduct a simple breathing test, called the Cottle Maneuver. To conduct this self-assessment, pull on your cheek to hold your nostril to the side. If breathing improves, you may have NVC. For a comprehensive exam, contact us at www.chicagonasalsinuscenter.com or call 312-372-9355 to make an appointment for evaluation. You can also learn more about LATERA at www.latera.com.

About Chicago Nasal & Sinus Center
Chicago Nasal & Sinus Center is a private medical practice devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of nasal and sinus disorders. These conditions may include chronic nasal congestion, recurring or lingering sinus infections, sinus pressure, headaches, allergies, snoring and sleep apnea. By limiting the scope of our practice, Chicago Nasal & Sinus Center is able to offer patients an unparalleled level of service, utilizing state-of-the-art technology and innovative treatments while maintaining a thoughtful and caring approach. Chicago Nasal & Sinus Center is committed to forming strong patient-physician relationships, encouraging patients to be active participants in their care.

About Nasal Obstruction and Nasal Valve Collapse
Nasal obstruction limits airflow and makes breathing through the nose more difficult. This condition affects more than 20 million Americansi, and is characterized by difficulty breathing at rest and/or while exercising, and reduced sleep time or sleep quality.iii Nasal valve collapse (NVC) is one of the most common causes of nasal obstruction, and occurs as a result of weak nasal cartilage collapsing inward when a person inhales.iv,v NVC is as prevalent as septal deviation and turbinate hypertrophy among nasal and sinus patients.vi Patients can self-test for NVC by conducting a simple breathing test, called the Cottle Maneuver. Additionally, the NOSE survey [https://www.entnet.org/sites/default/files/NOSE-Instrument.pdf] will allow doctors to assess the severity of their nasal obstruction symptoms.ii

About LATERA
LATERA® is an absorbable nasal implant that supports the lateral nasal cartilage (side wall of the nose) to address Nasal Valve Collapse (NVC) and may reduce nasal obstruction symptoms, helping patients breathe better. The nasal implant is inserted through a small incision made inside a patient’s nose. Patients who received the implant reported satisfaction with their breathing (86%) and appearance (93%) results.vi

For more information about the LATERA device including the indications for use, contraindications and warnings, please see the LATERA IFU [http://www.spiroxmed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/LATERA_IFU.pdf] on www.latera.com.

Contact information
Chicago Nasal & Sinus Center
111 W. Washington St.
Suite 903
Chicago, IL 60602
T: 312-372-9355

References

i Value calculated based on 2014 US population estimate from US Census and World Bank data in conjunction with incidence numbers cited in Stewart et al. Epidemiology and burden of nasal congestion. Intl J Gen Med 2010; 2010:3 37-45.
ii Rhee et al. Nasal Valve Surgery Improves Disease-Specific Quality of Life. Laryngoscope 115: March 2005.
iii Stewart M G et al. Development and validation of the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2004;130 (2)157- 163.
iv Constantian MB, Clardy RB. The Relative Importance of Septal and Nasal Valvular Surgery in Correcting Airway Obstruction in Primary and Secondary Rhinoplasty. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 1996 Jul; 98(1): 47.
v Ricci, et al. Role of Nasal Valve in the Surgically Corrected Nasal Respiratory Obstruction: Evaluation Through Rhinomanometry. American Journal of Rhinology. September-October 2001, Vol. 15, Nov. 5.
vi Market research is ongoing. Data on file (TR-21076 Spirox NVC Experience). Individual patient results may vary and may include other procedures. Use of the LATERA device in conjunction with other procedures (such as septoplasty and/or turbinate reduction) has not been clinically evaluated. Patient satisfaction results may be attributed to LATERA with other procedures.