title: Nasal ciliary beat after insertion of septo-valvular splints.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  At present, endonasal paraseptal splints are devices frequently employed in rhinosurgery. We evaluated the local tolerance of a newly shaped device, the Guastella/Mantovani splint (G/M-SVS), with respect to the physiological mechanism of mucociliary clearance.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study involved 20 patients who underwent septoplasty and/or turbinoplasty or other nasal surgical procedures. A sample of ciliated cells was obtained by nasal brushing and was examined ex vivo to determine the ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and morphology, before and 15 days after surgery.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Before surgery the mean CBF was 10.87 Hz +/- 0.56 Hz and when splints were removed it was 10.25 Hz +/- 1.9 Hz. Morphological evaluation of the ciliary motion after surgery demonstrated a normal, coordinated beat.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The G/M-SVS does not appear to interfere with the physiological mechanism of mucociliary clearance since CBF remain within a normal range.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This is the first study that demonstrates an optimal tolerability and safety of the septo-valvular splints on nasal mucosa.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Ospedale Maggiore di Milano, IRCCS, University of Milan, Italy. gioia.piatti@unimi.it
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Piatti
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Scotti
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Ambrosetti
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002923:Cilia / Q000502:physiology; D002925:Ciliary Motility Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009079:Mucociliary Clearance / Q000502:physiology*; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009300:Nasal Septum / Q000601:surgery*; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D011182:Postoperative Care; D013165:Splints / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014420:Turbinates / Q000601:surgery*
chemical_list: D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene