Novel nitrous oxide system reduces pain in micro-focused ultrasound with visualization

A novel nitrous oxide pain management system yielded significant reductions in pain and high patient satisfaction during micro-focused ultrasound with visualization treatment, according to a study.

“Although micro-focused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) has great cosmetic results, patients can be hesitant or decline the treatment due to the pain experienced during the treatment,” Jennifer V.H. Tran, BSc, of the Institute of Cosmetic and Laser Surgery in Oakville, Ontario, and colleagues wrote.

Tran and colleagues assessed the utility of a nitrous oxide system during MFU-V treatment for effectiveness of pain management. Other study objectives included patient-reported satisfaction, improved aesthetic appearance and reduction in fatal laxity.

The prospective, single-arm, split-face, open-label study included 10 patients. The self-administered nitrous oxide system in the initial treatment was used on the left side of the face only.

Results were assessed using a patient-reported Visual Analog Pain Intensity Scale on both sides of the face at three different time points during treatment. Researchers conducted assessments for pain after the first line of treatment, at the halfway point and upon completion.

In addition, a 5-point Likert scale was used to assess patient satisfaction, while the Investigator Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) and Facial Laxity Score were the measures of efficacy.

Results for the pain intensity analysis showed clinically significant differences between the treated and untreated sides of the face at the halfway and completion points, but not after the first treatment line. Overall, pain intensity decreased on the VAS from 5.08 to 3.93 on the treated side of the face and from 4.42 to 3.09 on the untreated side of the face.

Among the nine patients who completed the study, 55.6% were very satisfied and 44.4% were somewhat satisfied with the results.

Improvements as evaluated by Investigator GAIS were reported in 55.6% of the group, while 44.4% reported being much improved by this parameter.

Nine patients experienced lower face and neck laxity before treatment. After treatment, one patient reported moderate lower face laxity and two patients reported moderate lower neck laxity.

“There is a clinically significant difference between pain scores of MFU-V with the nitrous oxide system and pain scores of MFU-V without the nitrous oxide system,” the researchers concluded. “In addition, the use of the nitrous oxide system during MFU-V treatment results in a high level of patient satisfaction, improved Investigator GAIS, and improved facial laxity.”