By Young An, M.D.

Chronic sinusitis is a condition which results from inflammation within the sinuses. The sinuses are air-filled cavities in the front portion of the skull (behind the forehead, nasal bones, cheeks, and eyes) that are lined with mucus membranes. Healthy sinuses usually contain no bacterial organisms, because mucus is able to drain out and air is able to circulate.

When the sinus openings become blocked and mucus builds up within the sinus cavities, this encourages the growth of bacteria and other germs. Antibiotics are usually sufficient to clear acute bacterial sinus infections, but when the sinus openings are are anatomically too narrow to drain fluid or become chronically blocked, antibiotics become ineffective in providing long term relief.

For patients suffering from chronic or recurring sinusitis without relief from extended courses of medical therapy, procedures to alleviate the obstructed sinus openings are considered. Endoscopic sinus surgery removes anatomical and pathological obstructions associated with sinusitis in order to restore normal clearance of the sinuses. For selected patients, there is now a less invasive treatment option for treatment of blocked sinuses called Balloon Sinuplasty.

Balloon Sinuplasty Technology is a minimally invasive, 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.

The benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty^TM Technology:

• Safe and Effective
While use of any surgical instrument involves some risk, clinical research has indicated the Balloon Sinuplasty^TM System to be safe and effective in improving symptoms of sinusitis.

• 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. In some cases, this procedure can safely be performed in the office under local anesthesia.

• Minimal Bleeding
Because in many instances no tissue or bone is removed when using this technology, there may be little bleeding associated with the procedure.

• Quick Recovery Time
While recovery time varies with each patient, many people can quickly return to normal activities, often times 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 techniques. It does not limit future treatment options if you have progressive disease.