Nasal trumpet orthosis to maintain nares opening during a melolabial interpolation flap.
BACKGROUND
The nasal trumpet has been used in emergency resuscitation, anesthesia, and facial burns to maintain nares openings. The dermatologic surgery literature is not as familiar with this device to improve respiratory function during the postoperative period after reconstruction of large defects on the nose.


OBJECTIVE
To present a novel way of using a modified nasal trumpet orthosis to maintain nasal valve patency and improve nasal valve respiratory function postoperatively following a melolabial interpolation flap.


METHODS
A sterile nasal trumpet orthosis.


CONCLUSIONS
We present a novel way of using a modified nasal trumpet orthosis after a melolabial interpolation flap procedure. For large defects involving the nares and/or nasal valve of the nose, the nasal trumpet is well tolerated by the patient and can lead to increased postoperative respiratory function while acting as a "bolster" for the closure.
Jones
Evan
E
Department of Dermatology, Mohs Surgery, and Cutaneous Oncology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1755 S. Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA.
Youker
Summer
S
Fosko
Scott
S
D006801:Humans; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000517:prevention & control; D009667:Nose Deformities, Acquired / Q000601:surgery*; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D012225:Rhinoplasty / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013524:Surgical Flaps