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Creating the “Double Curved” Suctions for Sinus Endoscopy and Surgery
Author(s) -
Kuhn Frederick A.,
Wong Kevin K.,
Mechor Bradford,
Javer Amin R.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1097/mlg.0b013e318063e8ba
Subject(s) - columbia university , sinus (botany) , medicine , functional endoscopic sinus surgery , surgery , sinusitis , sociology , media studies , botany , biology , genus
INTRODUCTION Rigid endoscopes, now available in varying angles (ranging from 0° to 20°), have given otolaryngologists unparalleled visualization of the paranasal sinuses. However, visualization without proper instrumentation to access difficult-to-reach areas can make sinus treatment frustrating and ineffective. Suction access to different areas within the nose and sinuses is not a straightforward process. It can be extremely challenging or even impossible to access the frontal recess or sinus with a straight suction or with the single curved suctions currently available commercially. Suctions with varying specifications are required for properly reaching these difficult to access areas. These include 1) the degree of angulation at the distal end of the suction tip and 2) the distance from the tip of the suction where the angulation takes place. Currently, there is no commercially available double-angled curved suction that allows for ergonomic access to the sinuses. Such a suction would allow for suctioning ability during endoscopic sinus surgery and office debridement. Currently, subspecialty rhinologists are required to manipulate or bend straight suctions themselves to achieve the desired specifications. This is not an easy task and involves meticulous attention to detail. Improperly bent suctions may cause them to kink lending them useless or ineffective. Additionally, suctions vary in price from $40 to $200 each, resulting in a costly mistake when damaged. We present a safe and effective method of properly creating the second bend in straight suctions resulting in a “double bend” suction that allows for easy access to the paranasal sinuses during surgery and for office use. This procedure can be performed on any suction, but in our experience we have found the best results with the Frazer 8 (part no: 204,808; Karl Storz, Germany) straight suction.