Strip electrodes: a novel, effective and minimally invasive therapeutic option for correcting DNS via Electromechanical Reshaping

Abstract

Deviated Nasal Septum (DNS) is a common condition affecting nasal breathing which is generally treated using septoplasty. This invasive surgical method carries potential risks of post-surgical complications. Electromechanical Reshaping (EMR) is a novel method that evolves as a non-thermal, minimally invasive option to reshape the cartilage using mechanical pressure and direct current (DC) without significant tissue damage. The existing flat and needle electrodes tested in animal tissues have raised significant concerns due to safety. We aim to develop a novel strip electrode configuration and optimize the dosimetry that can achieve efficient reshaping without compromising the safety. Electric field simulations showed that our novel 5-strip electrode configuration with 0.5mm thickness achieved optimal electric fields requiring minimal current flow compared to the flat electrodes. EMR was performed on ex vivo goat cartilages at various doses to analyze the four-day shape retention. Optimized strip electrode reshaped the ex vivo goat septal cartilage effectively at the dosimetry of 20mA for 15 minutes whereas the flat electrode needed 35 mA for 15 minutes. DMMB assay, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, tensile testing, and histopathology analysis demonstrated reduced tissue damage while supporting increased efficiency and mechanical stability with the strip electrode configuration, emphasizing its safety. Thus, optimized strip electrode-based EMR emerges as a viable non-invasive approach for reshaping nasal septal cartilage which can be used to treat DNS. Further in vivo studies are recommended to validate the long-term safety and efficacy of this technique.