The next generation of sinus stents for chronic rhinosinusitis: A systematic review

Abstract

Characterized by impaired mucociliary clearance with subsequent compromised microbial elimination, chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is known as a multifactorial disease process in which bacterial infection or colonization could play a role in the initiation or propagation of the inflammatory response. Various non-systemic, topical therapies have recently emerged as an alternative to conventional oral regimens in managing CRS. A topical sinonasal drug delivery system using a bioabsorbable stent represents one of the most attractive methods among multiple topical delivery options. This review discusses the commercially available topical drug delivery platform (sinus stents) for CRS and its shortcomings. Based on the current drawbacks of sinus stents, this article has also highlighted the future developmental perspectives to create the next generation of a sinus stent, thereby harnessing the full potential of the sinus stent as efficient topical drug delivery for recalcitrant CRS.