The California Sinus Institute (CSI) and California Sinus Foundation (CSF) are involved in research to improve the diagnosis and management of diseases related to the nose and sinuses. We are constantly updating protocols and studies. Our doctors, fellows and nursing staff may discuss these studies with you.
Current/ Past studies include
Nebulized Medications In The Treatment Of Sinus Diseases
The doctors at CSI have pioneered the development, use and research into nebulized medications for the management of difficult chronic sinus cases since 2000. (See links below.) This work has led to an entirely new treatment option being available nationwide for these patients via compounding pharmacies based in California . Dr. Vaughan serves as the director of the scientific advisory board of Sinus Pharmacy, which compounds these medications. He also consults for a separate research company, Sinus Pharma Inc. CSI has been designated as one of the national research centers into this newer therapy.
Topical Furosemide For The Treatment Of Nasal Polyps
One of the main causes of recurrent disease after sinus surgery is the regrowth of nasal polyps with subsequent obstruction and infections. Lasix TM (furosemide) has been shown to decrease the fluid volume of nasal polyps in studies from Italy . Studies are being started to investigate the potential role of topical furosemide for the treatment of nasal polyps.
Effect Of Carbon Dioxide Levels On Blood Loss During Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
The level of carbon dioxide in blood can be regulated during anesthesia. Regulation of this level may decrease blood loss. Joint studies with the Stanford Anesthesia Department have been ongoing for the last three years. Sinus surgical patients are offered enrollment in this study, which should be completed in the next year. Co-investigator: Vladimir Nekhendzy, MD, Department of Anesthesia.
Use Of Alternative Therapies In Sinus Management
There are publications which suggest that a significant number of chronic sinus patients use alternative therapies to treat their sinuses. These include herbs, acupuncture, biofeedback etc. Studies have been completed, and papers are in the reviewer process for publication. Preliminary data has been presented. This reveals that standard therapies (both medical and surgical) continue to 'out-perform' against alternative therapies, but patients have a very high acceptance rate for alternative treatments.
Emergence Of Increasing Drug Resistance In Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis patients have frequent infections. There are several studies that demonstrate increased antibiotic resistance, and the emergence of gram negative and fungal species. We are studying whether there are approaches that can decrease the use of empiric antibiotics in chronic sinus patients. Several studies continue at CSI in this area. These include:
Use of culture-directed therapy for acute infections in chronic sinus patients.
Randomized study of post-operative antibiotics after sinus surgery.
Microbiology of acute infections in chronic sinus patients.
Use Of Anti-Fungals In The Management Of Allergic Fungal Sinusitis
Allergic Fungal Sinusitis can lead to extensive and recurrent sinus disease. The use of nebulized antifungals, antifungal nasal rinses, and oral antifungals are recommended. Side effects, failure rate and outcome data of these different approaches are being studied.
Psychological Impact Of Chronic Sinusitis On Patients
All chronic diseases can lead to significant impact on the quality of life and psychological functioning of patients. Quality of life outcomes are conducted on all sinus patients at CSI. Retrospective studies (via outcome surveys) on the impact of several therapies include:
Impact of longer endoscopic and culture-directed therapy,
Impact of revision endoscopic sinus surgery with surgical navigation,
Impact of nebulized therapies on psychological outcome measures.
Instrumentation and Computer Navigation for Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
CSI doctors have consulted with several companies to develop better software and hardware for the treatment of sinus disease. This has included several software changes used nationwide for surgical navigation via BrainLab and GE/VTI. We have also designed the first set of advanced endoscopic instruments for sphenoidotomy and surrounding procedures. (See: Xomed.com , and GEHealthcare.com for further information.)
Research continues in this area at CSI with outcome studies looking at the avoidance of external, revision, and destructive surgical approaches. We have published papers that have demonstrated excellent frontal sinus outcomes and avoidance of external surgeries.
Sinus infections are a very common problem. It is estimated that over 43 million Americans suffer from chronic sinus problems. Bacteria, fungus, viruses and allergic reactions can be culprits. Read More
Sinus Surgery
The doctors at CSI have cared for some of the most complex surgical cases regionally involving the sinuses and noses. Read More
Sinuplasty This is our current leading sinus surgery project. This involves the use of small balloons to expand the sinus drainage holes and not remove tissue - it's like angioplasty for the heart applied to the sinuses instead - hopefully faster recovery, no packing and much less pain than current endoscopic sinus surgery. For appointments call 650-462-3131. Learn more about balloon sinuplasty or visit Acclarent.
* Watch Sinuplasty Video
Sinus CT Scan / X-rays at CSI We now offer the first Xoran Sinus CT scans at Cal Sinus. This is done in our offices - it takes 20 minutes and uses only 10% of the radiation used by other scanners. Call 650-462-3131 to arrange for a sinus scan and consultation with one of our providers. For more information on this scan visit - xorantech.com
Research at CSI The California Sinus Institute (CSI) and California Sinus Foundation (CSF) are involved in research to improve the diagnosis and management of diseases related to the nose and sinuses. We are constantly updating protocols and studies. Learn More!
Computer Navigation for Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
CSI doctors have consulted with several companies to develop better software and hardware for the treatment of sinus disease. This has included several software changes used nationwide for surgical navigation via BrainLab and GE/VTI InstaTrak. We have also designed the first set of advanced endoscopic instruments for sphenoidotomy and surrounding procedures.
Learn more about CSI research.
LOCATIONS- California Sinus Institute
Palo Alto Office
1900 University Ave
Suite 101
E. Palo Alto , CA 94303
Phone: (650) 462-3131 Directions Palo Alto
San Ramon Office
5801 Norris Canyon Road
Suite 200
San Ramon, CA 94583
Phone: (925) 807-1131 Directions San Ramon
CSI Santa Rosa Office 196 Sotoyome Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
Phone: (707) 542-2852 Directions to Santa Rosa
CSI Fresno Office 7471 North Fresno Street
Fresno, CA 93720
Phone: (650) 462-3131 Directions to Fresno
LOCATIONS - California Sinus Institute
