J Korean Assoc Oral Maxillofac Surg.  2024 Apr;50(2):116-120. 10.5125/jkaoms.2024.50.2.116.

Intravenous catheter flanges as an external nasal stent: a novel technique

• Nerurkar SA
• Iyer S
• Krishnadas A
• Subash P

• KMID: 2555742
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5125/jkaoms.2024.50.2.116

Abstract

External nasal splints are commonly used for immobilization following nasal fracture reduction or rhinoplasty procedures. The literature documents the use of various materials like thermoplastic materials, aluminum, Orthoplast, fiberglass, plaster of Paris, and polyvinyl siloxane. These materials are bulky, time-consuming, expensive, and cumbersome to use, and have been associated with complications including contact dermatitis and epidermolysis. Furthermore, they cannot be retained if the situation warrants prolonged stabilization and immobilization. We introduce a new technique using readily available scalp vein catheter flanges as an external nasal stent. The technique is easy to master, inexpensive, and limits edema and ecchymosis, while stabilizing the reconstructed nasal skeleton in position during the healing period.

Keyword

Splinting; Rhinoplasty; Nasal bone; Nasal bone deformity

Figure

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  Fig. 1 A. A 22-gauge scalp vein catheter. B. Separated wings of the catheter to be used as a nasal stent.

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  Fig. 2 A. Transnasal passage of the suture from under the nasal bones. B. Nasal stent positioning. C. Nasal stent fixation with tightening of the suture.

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  Fig. 3 A. Nasal stent used to position and stabilize the fractured nasal bones. B. Nasal stent used to stabilize the dorsal graft.

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  Fig. 4 A. Nasal stent used as a conformer for alar cartilage after closed dissection. B. Multiple nasal stents used for alar and upper lateral cartilage positioning. C. During hypertelorism, it helps hold the medial canthal ligament and the soft tissue against the new bony position.

Reference

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