Is coblation turbinate reduction safe?

Is coblation turbinate reduction safe?

Conclusion: Inferior turbinate reduction by coblation is an effective and safe procedure in children aged six years and older. The positive outcomes seem to be long-lasting.

Can radiofrequency cause Empty Nose Syndrome?

Atrophic rhinitis and empty-nose syndrome are chronic conditions that can arise as complications of nasal surgery (particularly turbinate surgery). A wide variety of techniques exist to address the turbinates, including submucous turbinectomy, laser ablation, and radiofrequency turbinoplasty.

Is coblation the same as radiofrequency?

Coblation is a minimally-invasive approach to ENT procedures. It uses gentle radiofrequency technology and natural saline to precisely remove or shrink targeted tissues, while minimizing damage to the surrounding, healthy areas.

Can turbinates grow back after reduction?

The reduction will last for the rest of the patient’s life. The nasal turbinates will never grow back. Many techniques for reducing nasal turbinates exist, such as radiofrequency treatment.

Can trauma cause deviated septum?

A deviated septum can also be caused by injury to the nose during birth. Later in life, a deviated septum can be caused by trauma, although adults and teenagers often cannot remember the injury that caused the problem.

What is Coblation of turbinates?

Coblation involves using a long thin probe to deliver radiofrequency (heat) energy to the swollen turbinates. Once the turbinates are treated, scar tissue forms and causes the turbinates to shrink. Your doctor will use local anesthesia (numbing of the area) to perform the procedure, which takes only 10 to 20 minutes.

How do you know if you have ENS?

Signs and symptoms A person with ENS may complain of pain in their nose or face, an inability to sleep, fatigue, and feeling irritated, depressed, or anxious; they may be constantly distracted by the sense that they are not getting enough air.

How long do turbinates stay swollen after surgery?

Your nose will feel blocked until the swelling goes down, which may take at least 2 weeks. Sleeping and resting with your head elevated on 2 pillows can relieve congestion. Your surgeon may ask you to use a sinus rinse or saline nasal spray. Your surgeon or a nurse will show you how to do this.

What is the difference between coblation and ablation?

The word coblation is short for ‘controlled ablation’, which means a controlled procedure used to destroy soft tissue. This procedure uses low temperature radio frequency during the operation, which was found to cause less pain for the patient than previous technologies used for tonsillectomy.

What is a turbinate coblation?

Nasal coblation (also referred to as submucosal coblation or turbinate reduction) is a minimally invasive treatment for hypertrophic (swollen) turbinates. Turbinates are long, thin bones covered in thin membranes (soft tissue) lining both sides of the inside of your nasal passages.

Does turbinate reduction need to be repeated?

It is performed in the office under local anesthesia in under 15 minutes by Dr. Cohen. It is a permanent method to reduce the turbinate bone without affecting the functional mucosa on top of the turbinate. The results are amazing and in less than 1% of patients needs to ever be repeated.

Are there any contraindications for radiofrequency turbinate reduction?

For more information about the relevant anatomy, see Nasal Anatomy. No absolute contraindications exist for radiofrequency turbinate reduction. However, the use of the radiofrequency turbinate reduction system is contraindicated in patients with heart pacemakers or other electronic devices unless they can be temporarily deactivated.

What are the risks of inferior turbinate coblation?

Potential Risks/Complications: 1 Nasal bleeding 2 Need to repeat procedure for insufficient relief (about 10-15% of the time) 3 Failure to resolve or eliminate nasal congestion or other nasal symptoms like post nasal drip, facial pressure/pain 4 Chronic nasal dryness (very rare)

How often is radiofrequency applied to turbinate tissue?

Radiofrequency is applied to the turbinate tissue through the electrode. This is usually performed 2-3 times on each turbinate. Before initiating full treatment of the turbinate, your doctor will make sure you are numb. If you experience discomfort when the coblation is being performed, please let us know so we can increase the level of anesthesia

How does radiofrequency turbinate reduction improve airflow?

Radiofrequency turbinate reduction is a procedure in which a needle-like instrument is inserted into the turbinate and energy is transmitted to the tissue to cause a controlled damage, so by the time healing process occurs, the turbinates will be reduced, allowing improved airflow through the nose.