Abstract: A nasal stent is provided as a lattice formed from a biologically absorbable material. The lattice has a plurality of intersecting semi-rigid rods defining interstitial spaces therebetween. The interstitial spaces are sufficiently large such that, when the stent is installed between a patient's overlying mucosal lining and underlying cartilaginous septum, the stent does not substantially impede diffusion of blood supply from the overlying mucosal lining to the underlying cartilaginous septum. The lattice also has sufficient rigidity so as to be able to compress the septal cartilage into a flat plane.

Abstract: A septoplasty instrument having a pair of opposing articulating longitudinal jaws or blades configured to contact the septum or overlying mucosal lining of a patient when the jaws are closed. A guide tube is connected to at least one of the jaws or blades for guiding a fixation wire into the septum, the guide tube having a bore therein that is generally in line with a longitudinal axis of the blades. The blades flatten and straighten a deviated portion of the septum, and the guide tube of the instrument is used to insert a fixation wire into the septum whilst the blades of the septoplasty instrument compressed. The instrument enables a corporeal approach to internal fixation septoplasty.