Prosthetic Reconstruction, Rehabilitation & Surgical Planning —
Training activity: 17

Details

Plan design and manufacture a nasal septal obturator to occlude a septal defect

Type

Developmental training activity (DTA)

Evidence requirements

Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee​.

Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.

An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.

Reflective practice guidance

The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.

Before action

• What are the indications for a nasal septal obturator?
• What are the key design considerations for retention and comfort?
• What will you learn about assessing the size and location of a nasal septal defect?
• What design features are important for ensuring effective obturation and patient comfort?
• What manufacturing techniques and materials are suitable for this type of device?
• Have you reviewed the anatomy of the nasal septum and the principles of obturation?
• Have you discussed design considerations with experienced colleagues?
• Have you reviewed examples of nasal septal obturators?

In action

• As you plan, design, and manufacture the nasal septal obturator, are you focusing on achieving an effective seal of the septal defect while ensuring patient comfort and nasal airflow? What immediate design and manufacturing decisions are you making regarding material selection, obturator shape, and retention? Are you consciously considering the anatomical complexities of the nasal septum as you progress?
• Is your planning process effectively guiding the design and manufacture of an obturator that will adequately occlude the septal defect? Are you encountering any unforeseen challenges in achieving a precise fit and stable retention within the nasal cavity? What immediate learning is taking place regarding the specific requirements of nasal septal obturators? How does this activity relate to your understanding of nasal anatomy and prosthetic materials?
• If your initial obturator design or manufacturing approach encounters difficulties in achieving a proper seal or comfortable fit, what alternative designs or manufacturing techniques are you considering in the moment? Do you need to consult with colleagues or refer to literature on different obturator designs for septal defects? Are you ensuring that your planning and manufacturing remain within ethical and professional guidelines?

On action

• Describe the planning and design considerations for the nasal septal obturator. What factors related to the septal defect influenced your design? Describe the manufacturing process of the obturator. What were the key functional requirements of the obturator in occluding the defect?
• What specific skills or knowledge did you develop or improve in planning, designing, and manufacturing nasal septal obturators? What did you learn about the anatomy of the nasal septum and the implications of a septal defect? Were there any unexpected challenges or successes during the process? What did you learn from these? How well did the final obturator meet the functional requirement of occluding the defect?
• What areas for continued development have you identified in nasal obturator design and manufacture? How can you apply the knowledge and skills gained to future cases involving nasal septal defects? What resources or support might you need to further develop in this area?

Beyond action

• Have you revisited experiences with nasal septal obturators? How has your understanding of nasal anatomy and the functional implications of septal defects developed?
• How have these experiences impacted upon your current practice in managing intra-nasal defects or considering airflow and comfort in prosthetic design?
• How might these experiences contribute towards your future practice in more complex nasal reconstructions or the use of advanced imaging for device planning? What did you learn about retention and material biocompatibility in the nasal environment?

Relevant learning outcomes

#	Outcome
# 1	Outcome Deliver quality patient centred care with the best interests of patients in all elements of practice.
# 2	Outcome Practice in accordance with local and national health and safety policies, regulatory requirements and overall service governance.
# 3	Outcome Communicate effectively with patients, relatives, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders.
# 4	Outcome Identify patients who need further specialist support and refer to the appropriate healthcare specialist.
# 6	Outcome Perform clinical investigations, formulate treatment plans and manufacture medical devices to a safe clinical standard.
# 7	Outcome Prepare surgical treatment plans for complex head and neck surgery.
# 8	Outcome Select appropriate biomedical materials and components/instrumentation used in the treatment of patients and the manufacture of custom-made medical devices.
# 9	Outcome Practice in partnership with other clinical specialisms as part of a multidisciplinary team and understand their roles and their impact on patient care and pathway.
# 10	Outcome Apply the principals of a quality management system to their professional practice.
# 12	Outcome Assess and interpret patients’ needs to provide customised treatment dependent on medical, physical, social and psychological requirements.