Vivaer- Indications, Contraindications, Advantages, and Procedure

What Is Nasal Congestion?

Nasal congestion leads to swollen nasal passages that cause a marked reduction in the air volume that can be breathed through the nose. It results in excess fluid and mucus retention, triggering various infections. It dramatically affects the overall health and quality of life. Obstruction in the nasal cavity can lead to various symptoms such as:

• Difficulty breathing oxygen during physical activities.

• Disrupted sleep patterns, including sleep apnea (lack of sleep).

• Snoring.

• Tiredness.

• Feeling weak.

• Nasal inhalation of the air is difficult.

• Chronic congestion of the nose.

• Stuffy nose.

• Persistent nasal congestion.

• Frequent breathing from mouth.

What Is the Cause of Nasal Airway Obstruction?

There could be several causes of nasal airway obstruction, including-

• Nasal Septum: It is the bone and tissue that divides the two external nares (nostrils).

• Turbinates: These are tiny structures inside the nasal cavity that humidifies, warms, and cleanse the air that enters the nose.

• Lateral Wall of the Nasal Cavity: It is the external wall of the nose. It is that part of the nasopharynx which is important for air filtration and humidification.

If any of the above-mentioned areas become swollen, inflamed, or enlarged, they will automatically reduce the air quantity and quality that passes through the nasal passage and then into the lungs. The anatomical changes will also affect the air quality.

What Is Vivaer?

To provide relief from nasal obstruction symptoms, healthcare professionals may advise medical surgery or medications. But they are not the only options available to provide long-lasting relief to patients. Vivaer is a new innovative treatment technique available that can provide relief from persistent nasal congestion. This technique is designed in a unique manner to treat nasal obstructions within the narrowest portion of the nasal passage (nasal valve). The individual can breathe normally again after the procedure.

How Is Vivaer Procedure Performed?

The Vivaer treatment is performed in the clinical office in a safe environment. No incisions or injections are needed. Low-temperature radio waves are utilized in a controlled manner to reshape and recontour the inside of the nose. It is a minimally invasive procedure that shrinks the nasal tissue and nasal cartilage and helps to open up the nasal valve. Long-lasting results can be observed almost immediately without altering the nasal appearance. It is a quick, efficient, and innovative medical procedure. This medical procedure helps the doctor to achieve the following objectives.

• Soft tissue remodeling, including remodeling of the cartilage present in the nasal valve.

• Improve the breathing ability of the patient by increasing the radius of the nasal valve.

• Submucosal nasal tissue shrinkage of the inferior turbinate of the nasal cavity.

• Reduction in the soft tissue obstruction on the nasal septum.

The esthetics of the patient are not altered while carrying out the procedure.

What Are the Indications of the Vivaer Procedure?

1. Narrowing of the nasal valve.

2. Nasal blockage can occur due to enlarged nasal turbinates, or enlarged adenoids, stuffy nose, or nasal tumors.

3. Habitual snoring.

4. Disturbed sleep.

What Are the Contraindications of the Vivaer Procedure?

• Sinusitis has been present for a very long time.

• Severe nasal septum deviation for a very long time.

• Recent nasal valve surgery.

• Nasal polyps.

What Are the Advantages of the Vivaer Procedure?

• It is a safe medical procedure that provides long-lasting results.

• Vivaer is a minimally invasive procedure that requires local anesthesia. No incisions are required.

• No tissue or cartilage is destroyed in this procedure.

• It is a quick and painless technique that takes around 15 to 20 minutes.

• It helps to recontour or reshape the nasal airways.

• There is no time needed for recovery.

• It is a specific and effective clinical procedure that can fix the nasal valve.

• It provides minimal discomfort.

• It is quite convenient, and no implants are required.

• The nasal appearance remains the same.

• Patients can return to normal activities on the same day.

What Are the Side Effects of Vivaer?

Some of the common side effects associated with vivaer procedures are related to the use of low-energy radiofrequency waves. These radioelectric waves can cause harm to the nasal tissues, including minimal bleeding, erythema (redness), temporary edema (tissue swelling), numbness at the treatment site temporarily, temporary tenderness, soreness, pain at the treatment site, tissue blanching (whitish appearance of the tissue), mucosal crusting, and mild changes to the nasal morphology.

How to Confirm if Someone Is a Candidate for Vivaer?

A simple at-home test can be performed to check if obstruction of the nasal valve may be responsible for causing nasal congestion. This simple test is known as Cottle’s Maneuver.

Cottle’s Maneuver:One or two fingertips are placed on the cheeks on either side of the patient’s nose. The cheeks are then pressed and pulled gently outward. This will temporarily open the nasal valve. While performing the maneuver, if it helps the patient to inhale more easily through the nose, it is confirmed that the nasal obstruction may be in the nasal valve. The patient is, therefore, an ideal candidate for vivaer procedure.

Conclusion

Vivaer is a non-invasive medical procedure that is aimed at improving the airflow in patients who are suffering from nasal blockage. It provides quick and long-lasting relief to the patients. Only one in-office appointment is sufficient to provide satisfactory results to the patients. It also helps people who are chronic snorers. It is an innovative technique that should be performed by an expert.