Double-Doyle Intranasal Airway Splint Technique

Abstract

Objective: Present a novel technique utilized by the senior author for support of unstable, comminuted nasal bone fractures and its adaptation to rhinoplasty and septal surgery to provide greater stabilization of the nasal septum and bones. Illustrate safe and adequate results with this technique.

Method: Retrospective chart review of the senior author’s past surgical procedures since 2001 utilizing this Double-Doyle intranasal airway splint technique. Patient demographics, diagnoses, surgical procedure, stenting duration, and complications were identified. This technique involves 2 modified Doyle II intranasal airway splints (Medtronic) to provide greater intranasal support.

Results: Eighty-seven cases involving the Double-Doyle intranasal airway splint technique performed for closed nasal reduction, selected cases of open rhinoplasty, and septal procedures revealed overall that this intranasal splint modification was safe, tolerated well by patients, and presented minimal morbidity. All but one patient experienced a successful cosmetic and functional outcome as described by the senior author. Six overall possible complications were noted; 3c cases of minor nasal mucosa damage and 3c cases of possible infection that resolved after removal of the splint and treatment with antibiotics.

Conclusion: We present a safe technique that provides prolonged nasal dorsal support in severely comminuted nasal bone fractures without the need for external suspension devices or additional incisions. Additionally, this technique may be applied to rhinoplasty and septal procedures involving significant septal correction to allow greater stabilization of the septum postoperatively.