Clinical evaluation of a bioresorbable implant for medialization of the middle turbinate in sinus surgery

Background: During endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), postoperative lateralization of the middle turbinate can lead to scarring and obstruction of key drainage pathways, including the osteomeatal complex. The technique of suturing the middle turbinate to the nasal septum to enhance exposure can be difficult and time consuming. This study presents the first clinical results using the Middle Turbinate Implant (MTI), a device composed of absorbable copolymer polylactide-co-glycolide and intended to medialize the middle turbinate during surgical procedures such as ESS. Methods: The trial included 22 implantations (21 successful implantations) on 14 subjects (6 unilateral and 8 bilateral implantations). The primary outcome measure was the position of the middle turbinate at 1, 2, and 4 weeks postoperatively. The extent of tissue reaction at the site of implantation was also evaluated. Results: At 1, 2, and 4 weeks postoperatively, 100% of the middle turbinates were held medially or in the neutral position with no significant synechiae present. At 1, 2, and 4 weeks postoperatively, there was either no (95%, 90%, and 95%) or mild (5%, 10%, and 5%) tissue reaction at the site of implantation. No complications were noted during implantation. Conclusion: The use of the bioresorbable MTI appears to be a safe and effective method of medializing the middle turbinate during ESS. (C) 2011 ARS-AAOA, LLC.