Systems and methods for nasal support

Abstract

Cartilage support implants for nasal valve support and delivery systems are described. The cartilage support implant can include one or more elongate bodies comprising one or more anchors. The cartilage support implant can be designed to be a permanent implant extending along the midline of a patient's nose, from the nasal bone to the lower lateral cartilage. Methods of placing the cartilage support implant and retrieving the cartilage support implant are also described.

1 . A method for supporting a nasal valve comprising:
 providing a first elongate body and a second elongate body sized to reside within the nose of a patient;   placing the first elongate body adjacent to a first nasal bone, wherein the first elongate body comprises a first anchor;   placing the second elongate body adjacent to a second nasal bone, wherein the second elongate body comprises a second anchor;   wherein the first elongate body and the second elongate body anchor within the nasal tissue and provide support to the nasal valve, wherein the implant is made of bioresorbable material.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the first anchor curves between 5 and 360 degrees. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein the second anchor curves between 5 and 360 degrees. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the first elongate body comprises an additional anchor feature along the length of the first elongate body. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 4 , wherein the additional anchor feature comprises a spike. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the implant is a stabilizing stent that extends between the nasal bone and the lower lateral cartilage. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the first elongate body is removable. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising engaging two anchors of each elongate body with the anatomy of the patient. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising a single point of anchoring. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the first elongate body includes a coating to promote tissue ingrowth. 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the first elongate body extends along the midline prominence of the nose. 
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 1 , straightening the first elongate body within the nose of the patient. 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 1 , trimming a length of the first elongate body while straightened. 
     
     
         14 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein placing the first elongate body adjacent to the first nasal bone comprises engaging the first anchor with an upper lateral cartilage. 
     
     
         22 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising expanding the first anchor from a longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         23 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the first anchor comprises a closed shape. 
     
     
         24 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the first anchor abuts, but does not penetrate tissue surrounding the first nasal bone. 
     
     
         25 . A method for supporting a nasal valve comprising:
 providing a first elongate body sized to reside within the nose of a patient;   placing the first elongate body adjacent to a first nasal bone, wherein the first elongate body comprises a first anchor;   wherein the first elongate body anchors within the nasal tissue and provides support to the nasal valve, wherein the first elongate body is made of bioresorbable material.   
     
     
         26 . The method according to  claim 25 , wherein placing the first elongate body adjacent to the first nasal bone comprises engaging the first anchor with an upper lateral cartilage. 
     
     
         27 . The method according to  claim 25 , further comprising expanding the first anchor from a longitudinal axis.