Balloon Sinuplasty

Is balloon sinuplasty a common treatment for CRS?

Healthcare providers have used balloon sinuplasty since 2005. The treatment has become increasingly popular as the procedure is Minimally Invasive and the patient’s recovery is quick. This procedure is US FDA approved and safe. In fact, 95% of insured patients will have this procedure approved by their insurance provider.

What happens before this procedure?

Before you have balloon sinuplasty, your healthcare provider will use computed tomography (CT) scans to confirm balloon sinuplasty is an appropriate treatment for your condition.

Procedure Process:

Preparation: Pre Anesthesia Check up to evaluate fitness for Anesthesia
Insertion of Balloon Catheter: The surgeon inserts a balloon catheter into the blocked sinus passage using an endoscope for guidance.
Inflation of Balloon: The balloon is slowly inflated to widen the sinus opening.
Flush and Drainage: Saline solution might be used to flush out mucus and debris, improving sinus drainage.
Removal of Catheter: Once the sinus passage is widened, the balloon is deflated and removed.

Is balloon sinuplasty painful?

No, balloon sinuplasty usually isn’t painful as the procedure is done under Anesthesia

Benefits:

Minimally Invasive: It’s less invasive than traditional sinus surgery, often resulting in quicker recovery times.
Preservation of Tissue: Unlike traditional surgery, balloon sinuplasty aims to preserve the sinus tissue.
Reduced Bleeding: Since there’s no cutting of tissue, bleeding is typically minimal.
Quick Recovery: Patients often resume normal activities within a couple of days.

Candidates:

Chronic Sinusitis Sufferers: Individuals who haven’t responded well to medications for sinusitis are good candidates.
Sinus Blockages: Those with blocked sinus passages causing discomfort or recurring infections.

Risks and Considerations:

Possible Risks: As with any medical procedure, there are risks of bleeding from Nose and Infection, mandating use of Antibiotics for a week or two..
Not for Everyone: Some cases may still require traditional sinus surgery for optimal results.

Recovery:

Quick Recovery: Many patients experience minimal downtime and can resume normal activities within a few days. You might need to rest at home for 24 to 48 hours after your balloon sinuplasty
Follow-up Care: Post-procedure care may involve saline rinses or medications to aid in healing.