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 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 types of doctors treat sinusitis?
Many types of doctors treat sinusitis, including general and
family practice physicians, pediatricians, and allergists.
However, if you have chronic sinusitis or do not respond to
medical treatment, you may be referred to a specialist - an
Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) physician, or Otolaryngologist.
How is sinusitis treated?
Various approaches have emerged for surgeons to consider when
treating sinusitis patients:
- Medical therapy
- Endoscopic sinus surgery with cutting instruments
- Endoscopic sinus surgery with balloon catheters
Medical Therapy
Sinusitis is typically treated first with medication. Treatment
with antibiotics or topical nasal steroid sprays is successful
for many sinusitis sufferers. Inhaling steam or use of saline
nasal sprays or drops can also help. However, at least 20% of
patients do not respond adequately to medications.
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (with cutting instruments)
Sinus surgery aims to clear blocked sinuses and restore normal
sinus drainage. The procedure removes bone and tissue to
enlarge the sinus opening. The removal of bone and tissue may
lead to pain, scarring, and bleeding.
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (with Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology)
The technology utilizes a small, flexible, Sinus Balloon that
is placed into the nose to reach the sinuses. The Sinus Balloon
is gradually inflated to gently restructure the previously
blocked sinus opening which helps to restore normal sinus
drainage and function. There is minimal bleeding, and many
patients have been able to return to normal activities within
24 hours.
What is the Balloon Sinuplasty™ system?
The Balloon Sinuplasty™
system is the name used for a group of medical devices that are
used to create openings in your sinuses. The devices use a
small, flexible balloon that is placed into the nose to reach
the sinuses. The balloon is gradually inflated to gently
restructure the previously blocked nasal passage, restoring
normal sinus drainage.
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.
Are the
Balloon Sinuplasty™ devices
safe?
The Balloon Sinuplasty™
technology is minimally invasive and has been clinically
demonstrated to be safe by leading Ear, Nose and Throat
doctors. Finally, unlike other surgical methods used to clear
blocked sinus openings, Balloon Sinuplasty™
technology does not remove any bone or tissue and some patients
return to normal activities quicker – within 24 hours without
other co-morbid conditions.
What are the risks of surgery with Balloon
Sinuplasty™ technology?
Your healthcare provider can best explain the potential risks
of surgery with Balloon Sinuplasty
™ technology. In all published clinical data, no serious
adverse events attributable to the
Balloon Sinuplasty™ system have been reported.
How long does surgery with Balloon
Sinuplasty™ technology take?
The duration of the procedure varies by individual situations.
Ask your healthcare provider for the most accurate answer.
Will I require general anesthesia for
surgery with Balloon Sinuplasty
™ technology?
Most patients undergo general anesthesia for sinus surgery with
Balloon Sinuplasty™
technology, but some patient have had the procedure under local
anesthesia. Your healthcare provider can best advise you on
your anesthesia options.
How long does it take to recover from a
typical surgery using the Balloon
Sinuplasty™ system?
Because the system is minimally invasive it is typically used
in an outpatient setting. While recovery time will vary from
patient to patient, many people can return to normal activities
within 24 hours after surgery.
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 right for me?
If you suffer from sinusitis, and medication alone has not been
effective in relieving your symptoms, you may be a candidate
for surgery using the Balloon
Sinuplasty™ devices. Ask your doctor about whether
use of these FDA-cleared, endoscopic, catheter-based tools is
right for you.
Are Balloon Sinuplasty
™ devices covered by Medicare?
Yes. Medicare covers endoscopic sinus surgery when any
combination of tools, including a balloon catheter, is used to
perform the procedure.
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.
For more information, contact
our Minimally Invasive Sinus
Center coordinator at
214.407.5635 or
Email Us.