Balloon Sinuplasty in San Francisco, CA

Balloon Dilation of Sinus Openings: Sinuplasty™

California Sinus Center is proud to offer Balloon Sinuplasty™ in San Francisco, CA, a state-of-the-art treatment for patients suffering from sinusitis. Our doctors were the first in the WORLD to pioneer the development of sinus balloon techniques over a decade ago, making us the most experienced providers in the Bay Area. Patients from San Francisco, San Jose, and Palo Alto seek our specialized care for all stages of sinus problems.

Balloon Sinuplasty™ is an FDA-cleared, endoscopic, catheter-based system designed to treat early stages of sinusitis, often before polyps develop. This minimally invasive procedure uses a small, flexible tube with a dilating balloon to open blocked sinus passages, enhancing drainage and function. The procedure is gentle, maintaining the integrity of the sinus lining with minimal bleeding or tissue removal.

If you’re experiencing sinus issues and seeking relief, trust the experts at California Sinus Center. Schedule your appointment today to discuss how Balloon Sinuplasty™ can improve your sinus health. Contact us now to take the first step towards better breathing and sinus relief.

Steps in using this technology:

Balloon sinuplasty, also called catheter-based dilation of sinus ostia or functional endoscopic dilation of the sinuses, uses several devices that are guided into the sinuses and used to dilate the sinus openings — the same way angioplasty dilates the vessels on the heart. Info: www.Acclarent.com

Balloon sinuplasty involves little to no tissue removal inside the nose and sinuses. At the present time, it is used to open the frontal, maxillary and sphenoid sinuses. Because the technique was recently introduced, surgeons are still learning which patients it will work best for and when it is the appropriate choice of device for surgery. Situations that balloon sinuplasty is usually not appropriate for are cases of large nasal polyps or significant scarring from previous sinus surgery.

Some studies conducted so far appear promising with many selected patients reporting good results. Patients who undergo balloon sinuplasty appear to have a little less pain and bleeding during the post-operative period. There are many new studies in progress that may soon help physicians better determine how the balloon sinuplasty device fits into the sinusitis management spectrum.

Balloon Sinuplasty technology is an endoscopic, catheter-based system for 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: study participants experienced no adverse events and received significant relief from their symptoms. This is similar to how angioplasty uses balloons to open blocked coronary arteries.

What Are the Benefits of a Balloon Sinuplasty?

• Safe and Effective
  While use of any surgical instrument involves some risk, clinical studies have indicated this approach to be – safe and effective – in relieving symptoms of sinusitis, in carefully selected patients.
• Minimally Invasive
  The technology uses small, soft, flexible devices that enter entirely through the nostrils. These devices gently open blocked sinus openings in many cases, without tissue or bone removal.
• Reduced Bleeding
  Because no tissue or bone is removed when using this technology, there is often very little bleeding associated with the procedure.
• Improved Recovery Time
  Most patients return to normal activities the next day.
• Does Not Limit Treatment Options
  This technology is an endoscopic tool and may be used with other medical therapies or sinus surgery techniques. It does not limit future treatment options if you have progressive disease. If the balloon fails to address your sinus problems other options may be available in the office or the OR.

What To Expect From A Balloon Sinuplasty

Before The Procedure

Expect to stop all medications that can encourage bleeding during and after the procedure like NSAIDS, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Talk with California Sinus Centers about any prescription blood thinners you normally take.

Day Of The Procedure

Eat a normal breakfast or lunch and plan to have someone drive you home. Wear warm comfortable clothes. Expect to be at the office approximately an hour and a half.

During The Procedure

After anesthesia is administered, a tiny flashlight and camera will be inserted into the sinus cavity, and then a flexible balloon catheter will follow, and it will slowly be inflated to widen and expand the cavity. The cavities will then be flushed with a saline solution to remove any pus or mucus buildup to help reduce any future sinus infections.

This safely opens up all the pathways between the sinuses and nostrils which allows air to flow and your sinuses to drain better.

After The In Office Balloon Sinuplasty

Expect that you will have quick recovery and be back to work and normal activities within one to two days. You should feel immediate relief from pain and pressure.

Expect some minimal bleeding and discomfort. Saline will be provided for you to rinse your nasal passages for several weeks, and you may be given antibiotics to prevent any infection.

As with use of any surgical instrument, there are risks, and results may vary from patient to patient. Talk to our doctors about your specific condition/s to find out if using sinus dilation – aka – Sinuplasty™ – is a right option for specific areas of your sinus anatomy.

Video Animation Balloon Sinuplasty

Frequently Asked Questions