Balloon Sinuplasty |
 The painful symptoms associated with chronic sinusitis can be overwhelming. If symptoms are difficult to control with medications alone, your primary doctor may refer you to a Sinus Specialist like the doctors at Cal Sinus, who can determine the best course of treatment, including further medication therapy or surgery to open the sinus passage ways.
If you have been diagnosed with chronic sinusitis and are not responding well to antibiotics you may be a candidate for surgery. There are newer tools that overall are termed 'Balloon Sinuplasty" that may be a less invasive option during sinus surgery. Balloon Sinuplasty technology is an endoscopic, catheter-based system for some patients suffering from sinusitis. The FDA-cleared technology uses a small, flexible, sinus balloon catheter to open up blocked sinus passageways, restoring normal sinus drainage. When the sinus balloon is inflated, it gently restructures and widens the walls of the passageway while maintaining the integrity of the sinus lining.
Technology Overview Balloon Sinuplasty devices provide an endoscopic, catheter-based system for patients suffering from sinusitis. Recently published data in the leading ENT journal shows that the technology is safe and effective. This is similar to how angioplasty uses balloons to open blocked coronary arteries.
Balloon Sinuplasty Benefits The benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty technology for treating chronic sinusitis symptoms include:
Safe and Effective - While use of any surgical instrument involves some risk, clinical research has indicated the Balloon Sinuplasty system to be very safe and effective in relieving symptoms of sinusitis, in selected patients.
Minimally Invasive - The technology uses small, soft, flexible devices that enter entirely through the nostrils. These devices gently open blocked sinus openings, and in many cases, without tissue or bone removal.
Improved Recovery Time - While recovery time varies with each patient, many people can return to normal activities within 24 hours.
Does Not Limit Treatment Options - This technology is an endoscopic tool and may be used with other medical therapies or sinus surgery tools / techniques. It does not limit future treatment options if you have progressive disease.
As with use of any surgical instrument, there are risks, and results may vary from patient to patient. Talk with your doctor about your specific condition to find out if the Balloon Sinuplasty system is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions What is sinusitis?
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinus lining. If the sinus opening becomes swollen shut, normal mucus drainage may not occur, and this may lead to infection and inflammation of the sinuses.
What are the common symptoms of sinusitis?
Common symptoms include:
- Facial pain, pressure, congestion or fullness
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Discharge of yellow or green mucus from the nose
- Teeth pain
- Loss of the sense of smell or taste
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
- Bad breath
What are the Balloon Sinuplasty devices?
The Balloon Sinuplasty devices are FDA-cleared, endoscopic, catheter-based instruments specifically designed to be used in sinus surgery. The Sinus Balloon Catheter is gradually inflated to gently restructure the previously blocked sinus opening, which restores normal sinus drainage, without damaging the sinus.
How long does symptom relief last after surgery with Balloon Sinuplasty technology?
Results vary by individual. Published clinical data has shown the following regarding patients who have had sinus surgery with Balloon Sinuplasty technology:
A study of 1,036 patients at multiple institutions reported that sinus symptoms improved in 96% of patients at an average follow-up period of 10 months.
Another study followed 65 patients at multiple institutions and reported clinically and statistically significant improvement in patient symptoms out to 2 years.
How do sinus openings stay open after surgery with Balloon Sinuplasty technology?
Balloon Sinuplasty technology dilates sinus openings, or ostia by pushing aside bones which comprise the sinus ostia. Moving bone remodels the sinus ostia, creating wider openings.
Will I require general anesthesia for surgery with Balloon Sinuplasty technology?
Most patients undergo general anesthesia for sinus surgery with Balloon Sinuplasty technology.
Does surgery with Balloon Sinuplasty devices limit my treatment options?
No. Balloon Sinuplasty devices are endoscopic tools used within conventional sinus surgery and may be used with other medical therapies. They do not limit future treatment options for patients.
Are Balloon Sinuplasty devices covered by other insurance carriers?
Most insurance companies cover sinus surgery with Balloon Sinuplasty devices. To be certain of your coverage, contact your insurance provider to find out your specific coverage policy.
|
NOTE: This information is not intended to substitute for a consultation with your physician. It is offered to educate the patient and his or her family on the basis of otolaryngology conditions in order to get the most out of their office visits and consultations. Please see our disclaimer for additional information
|
