Sinusitis is one of the most common chronic health problems in the US, afflicting 37 million Americans each year.

Traditionally, sinusitis patients have been limited to two treatment options: medical therapy or conventional sinus surgery. Although medical therapy can alleviate symptoms for some patients, for 20 to 25 percent of sufferers, this alone is not adequate. For these patients, sinus surgery is their next hope in finding relief. Traditional sinus surgery is a conventional operation that requires bone and tissue removal in order to open up blocked sinus passageways. With no desirable treatment, more than 600,000 Americans are left living with their sinus condition.

Now, many patients are benefiting from Balloon Sinuplasty™, a minimally invasive endoscopic surgical procedure for treating sinusitis.

Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology is a FDA-cleared, endoscopic, catheter-based system for patients suffering from sinusitis. The technology uses a small, flexible, Sinus Balloon Catheter to open up blocked sinus passageways, restoring normal sinus drainage and function. When the sinus balloon is inflated, it gently restructures and widens the walls of the passageway while maintaining the integrity of the sinus lining.

Steps in using the Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology

The technology is used by qualified Ear, Nose, and Throat physicians.

	Using the Balloon Sinuplasty™ system, your physician gently places a Sinus Guide Catheter and a flexible Sinus Guidewire through the nostrils to access the target sinus. Next, a Sinus Balloon Catheter is advanced over the Sinus Guidewire.
	The Sinus Balloon Catheter is positioned across the blocked ostium and gently inflated.
	The Balloon Sinuplasty™ system is removed, leaving an open sinus passageway and restoring normal drainage and function.

The Benefits in Using the Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology ¹

• Safe and Effective

  While use of any surgical instrument involves some risk, clinical studies have indicated the Balloon Sinuplasty™ system to be safe and effective in relieving 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.

• Reduced Bleeding

  Because in many instances no tissue or bone is removed when using this technology, there may be reduced bleeding associated with the procedure. As a result, the need for uncomfortable nasal packing may also be eliminated.

• Improved Recovery Time

  While recovery time varies with each patient, many people can return to normal activities 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.

As with use of any surgical instrument, there are risks, and results may vary from patient to patient. Talk with your doctor about your specific condition to find out if using the Balloon Sinuplasty™ system is right for you.

Related Links

• Q&A - Balloon Sinuplasty™: New alternative to sinusitis surgery, Carol Langdoc, MD
• Balloon Sinuplasty Video
• Acclarent, Inc Patient Information Web site

Information

For more information about Balloon Sinuplasty™ or to schedule an appointment with a University of Florida otolaryngologist, call 352.265.9465.

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