Nasal Valve Collapse-Latera Implant

NAO anatomyWhat is Nasal Airway Obstruction?

Nasal breathing normally delivers 70% of airflow to the lungs. More than 20 million Americans suffer from nasal airway obstruction (NAO), which limits airflow through the nose with significant quality of life consequences.

Symptoms of Nasal Airway Obstruction

Symptoms may include:

  • Difficulty breathing at rest and/or while exercising
  • Reduced sleep time of sleep quality
  • Reduced daytime productivity

What causes Nasal Airway Obstruction?

Even slight narrowing of the nasal passage can lead to significant reduction in airflow. Structural blocklages in three areas are common:

  • 1. Lateral (side) wall: The upper/lower cartilage in the side of your nose can flex or collapse inward when your breathe.
  • 2. Septum: The cartilage wall between the nostrils can bend and block the nasal passage.
  • 3. Turbinates: Ridges of bone and tissue inside your nose can limit airflow when enlarged.

Diagnosis of Nasal Valve Collapse

Lateral Wall Collapse and Nasal Airway Obstruction: The LATERA Implant

Your doctor can determine the cause of your NAO. If your symptoms improve when you wear nasal strips, or when you perform a simple breathing test called the Cottle Maneuver, you may benefit from support for your lateral wall.
Cottle Maneuver: Does your breathing improve when you pull on your cheek and hold your nostril to the side? If yes, talk to your doctor about options to support your lateral cartilage, which may include the LATERA implant.
The LATERA implant is a minimally invasive option for supporting upper and low lateral wall cartilage in your nose.

How does the LATERA Implant work?


The LATERA Absorbable Nasal Implant is used to support upper and low lateral cartilage in your nose. It is placed inside the nasal wall in a minimally invasive way. Supporting the cartilage in this manner may reduce nasal airway obstruction symptoms and help patients breathe better. The LATERA implant is made of a material that absorbs over a period of approximately 18 months, so can deliver support without limiting future treatment options.

What People Say About Us!

There is no one better than Dr. Setzen. He answered any and every single question prior to my surgery and took such amazing care of me. He knew how anxious I was about the surgery and he and his team put me at ease. Everything he explained to me pre surgery was exactly what happened post surgery.

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Benefits of the LATERA Implant

LATERA showed significant quality of life improvement for nasal obstruction patients with lateral wall of nasal valve collapse. While individual results may vary, LATERA patients saw the following improvements in:

  • Reduced nasal congestion or stuffiness
  • Less trouble breathing through the nose
  • Improved ability to get enough air through nose during exercise or exertion
  • Reduced nasal blockage or obstruction
  • Less trouble sleeping

Patients experienced a reduction in nasal obstruction symptoms of 56% at 6 months, as measured by the NOSE survery. Patients got these results without negative cosmetic effects.

Risks of the LATERA Implant

Risks included temporary symptoms such as:

  • Mild Bruising and inflammation
  • Awareness of the implant
  • Mild pain or irritation

Other risks related to the LATERA implant include: discomfort, infection, reaction to material, and device retrieval.

Talk to your doctor about your nasal obstruction to find out if LATERA could be right for you.
Request an Appointment

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Setzen

To learn more about Nasal Valve Collapse or find out if the LATERA Implant could benefit you, call our Great Neck practice at 516-829-0045.

Our Locations

Location Map: 130 East 77th Street New York, NY 10075
600 Northern Blvd.
Suite 113
Great Neck, NY 11021

Tel: 516-829-0045
Fax: 516-829-0441


Location Map: 600 Northern Blvd. Great Neck, NY 11021
130 East 77th Street
10th Floor
New York, NY 10075

Tel: 516-829-0045
Fax: 516-829-0441

Request an Appointment



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