Balloon Sinuplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat chronic sinusitis.
This procedure is performed by inserting a small sinus balloon catheter into the sinus passages and then slowly inflating the balloon to widen these passages.
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the tissue that lines the inside of the sinuses. It can cause headache, facial pain, runny nose, and nasal congestion. Chronic sinusitis is a sinus infection that lasts 12 weeks or longer. It can cause congestion, pus in the nasal cavity, fever, headaches, bad breath, and tooth pain. A Balloon Sinuplasty is commonly used to treat sinusitis by opening up the sinus cavity to promote proper sinus drainage.
Did You Know?
Although balloon sinuplasty is technically considered a surgical procedure, there is no cutting or removal of nasal tissues. In fact, balloon sinuplasty is able to widen the sinus passages while also preserving healthy nasal tissues, mucous membranes, and structure.
Restore Proper Sinus Drainage
During a Balloon Sinuplasty, a small balloon is inserted into the sinus passages. This balloon is then slowly inflated and used to gradually widen these passages so that mucus and pus can be flushed out from the sinus cavity. After the sinus passages have been widened, this allows for proper sinus drainage, which decreases symptoms associated with chronic sinusitis.
A Balloon Sinuplasty is often recommended when antibiotics or other medical therapies have not been effective in treating chronic sinusitis.
The Balloon Sinuplasty Process
Comfortable and Relaxing
Local anesthesia will be given to keep you comfortable and relaxed.
During a balloon sinuplasty, one of our ENT specialists will insert a tiny endoscope into your nasal passages.
An endoscope is a thin plastic tube with a light and camera on the end. Your ENT will use this camera to direct the endoscope to the sinus passages, then they will insert a small balloon catheter into your sinus passage.
This balloon will then be slowly inflated so that it can widen the sinus passage.
After the passage has been widened, your ENT will flush the cavity with saline to remove any debris before removing the balloon and endoscope. The entire procedure generally takes around an hour.
Resume Daily Activities the Same Day
- You will be able to return home within the same day
- Avoid blowing your nose for 1-2 days to ensure proper healing
- Can return to work within 24-48 hours
- Need to refrain from strenuous activities until cleared by your surgeon
