Ep. 54 Keeping up with Technology for In-Office Sinus Procedures with Dr. Brian Weeks and Dr. Ashley Sikand

We talk with Dr. Ashley Sikand and Dr. Brian Weeks about performing In-Office Sinus procedures, including differences in technique, and keeping up with the latest technologies. --- CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR Stryker ENT https://ent.stryker.com --- SHOW NOTES In this episode of BackTable ENT, Dr. Gopi Shah talks with Dr. Ashley Sikand (Nevada Sinus Relief in Las Vegas, NV) and Dr. Brian Weeks (SENTA Clinic in San Diego, CA) about tips for starting in-office procedures and forming effective industry partnerships. First, Dr. Sikand and Dr. Weeks outline their motivations for entering the medical device industry space and serving as consultants for Acclarent, an otolaryngology medical device company. Next, they summarize the types of nasal conditions they can treat with an office-based procedure. These conditions include: deviated nasal septum, nasal valve disorders, turbinate obstructions, nasal polyps, and chronic rhinitis. They note that these procedures have only been made possible due to advances in anesthesia and blocking techniques. Although anesthesia varies based on the type of procedure, anesthesia for sinus work in general consists of three steps: anxiolysis (lorazepam or benzodiazepine), topical anesthesia (lidocaine and tetracaine), and infiltrative anesthesia (sphenopalatine block). Patient selection criteria is also very important when considering good candidates for office-based procedures. The doctors note that younger patients may have more apprehension towards in office procedures. Additionally, if a patient presents with a complex condition that requires multiple procedures, operating in the OR may be a better option. With experience, surgeons will be able to discern whether an in-office procedure is possible for different types of patients. Finally, the doctors emphasize how important good in-office resources are. The starting toolbox for an otolaryngologist should contain: a good endoscopic system, a camera, an instrument tray, effective suction, and an image guidance system. Knowing the room set up is a crucial requirement as well. Although the doctors admit that young otolaryngologists may not have the capital to purchase all the essentials, they encourage them to leverage their industry connections by inviting representatives to bring different equipment for demonstrations first. Finally, they end by advocating for doctors to critically evaluate medical technology using their medical education and training before adopting a device into their standard practice.