AB090. Rhinobubble—initial experience with an animal model

Background: We aimed to design an new nasal packing that affronts the disadvantages of nasal packing currently in use. Our “Rhino Bubble Nasal Splint” is an innovative nasal device for use in nasal surgery or epistaxis.

Methods: Existing devices commonly used in the management of epistaxis, such as inflatable balloons, nasal tampons and ribbon gauze, were analysed. Problems identified with these devices were noted and our nasal pack was designed with this in mind. Problems identified with these devices were noted such as that they are cumbersome to insert and remove, they cause discomfort in the patient due to both trauma and obliteration the nasal airway and they do not fit to the anatomical contour of the nose and therefore do not abut all potential sites of epistaxis, particularly on the irregular lateral nasal wall.

Results: “Rhino-bubble Nasal Splint” inflates to fit the anatomical contour of the nose. In some versions this possesses a breathing tube running from the nave to the post nasal space within the device, to overcome some issues of discomfort and elimination of the breathing space when the device is in situ and inflated. Other design variants such as size, locking strip, pores for flushing and haemostatic/antibiotic coatings.

Conclusions: A mockup of the bubble rhino nasal splint but we are yet to trial our splint in people.

Keywords: Epistaxis; innovation; nasal packing; rhinology