Balloon Sinuplasty

Sinusitis affects 37 million people each year, making it one of the most common health problems in the U.S. It’s more prevalent than heart disease and asthma, and has a greater impact on quality of life than chronic back pain or congestive heart failure. Symptoms may significantly affect people physically, functionally, and emotionally.

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Woman's sinuses being examined by physician

Balloon sinuplasty™ is a breakthrough procedure that delivers long-lasting relief from sinusitis and chronic sinus symptoms. It’s a minimally invasive outpatient surgery that takes less than 20 minutes to complete, and can treat inflamed sinuses without cutting through the nasal bone or tissue.

How Balloon Sinuplasty is Performed

The balloon sinuplasty procedure is performed under local anesthesia. As such, you will be completely awake but you won’t feel any pain or discomfort. During the procedure, your doctor will insert two tiny catheters into the nasal cavity. The first is attached to a light and a camera, and the second contains a tiny balloon. The balloon will then be inflated to open the sinuses and clear the blockages.

This relieves the pressure and encourages the mucus to drain correctly. You will be free to return home immediately, and may resume your regular daily routine within 24 hours. In general, our patients experience immediate relief from sinus pain and uncomfortable symptoms. In recent clinical studies, most patients reported that they were still free from their sinus symptoms two years after their operation.

Conditions Treated by Balloon Sinuplasty

A few of the symptoms that can be resolved with this procedure include:

Facial pressure
Post-nasal drainage
Reduced sense of smell and taste
Sinus headaches
Nasal congestion and discharge
Tenderness around the eyes, cheeks, nose, and forehead

Benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty

Safe and Effective

While the use of any surgical instrument involves some risk, clinical research has indicated the balloon sinuplasty 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 do not require tissue or bone removal.

Minimal Bleeding

Because in many instances no tissue or bone is removed when using this technology, there is typically only minor bleeding associated with the procedure.

Quick Recovery Time

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

Does Not Limit Treatment Options

This technology uses an endoscopic tool. It may be performed with other medical therapies or sinus surgery techniques. In addition, it does not limit future treatment options if you have progressive disease.

About SFENTA

SFENTA is one of South Florida’s top-rated providers for sinus care. Since our formation over 30 years ago, we’ve been providing patients with comprehensive care for the ear, nose, and throat. Our goal is to provide patients with:

Patient-Centered Care

Our providers will develop a customized treatment plan to address your unique symptoms.

Continuity of Care

We believe in finding long-term relief for our patients, not just a short-term solution.

A Network of Highly Trained Physicians

With over 50 board-certified physicians, we’ve built an unrivaled provider network.

The Security of a Community Staple

Our staff has been helping patients in South Florida for over three decades, so you can feel confident in the quality of your treatment.

Who is a Candidate for Balloon Sinuplasty?

If you suffer from sinusitis and medication alone has not been effective, you may be a candidate for surgery using balloon sinuplasty devices. We encourage you to talk to your doctor about whether using these FDA-cleared, endoscopic, catheter-based tools is right for you.

Your Procedure Experience

An ENT physician will use balloon sinuplasty devices to open the blockage, preventing sinus drainage using the following steps.

Gain Access to the Sinus

To gain initial sinus access, a sinus guide catheter is introduced into the nasal cavity to target the sinus ostia under endoscopic visualization. A sinus guidewire or a sinus illumination system is introduced and gently advanced into the target sinus through the sinus guide catheter.

Inflate Balloon Across Ostium

The sinus balloon catheter is introduced over the sinus guidewire or sinus illumination system and positioned across the blocked ostium. The position of the sinus balloon catheter is confirmed, and the balloon is gradually inflated to open and remodel the narrowed or blocked ostium.

Remove Balloon and Irrigate Sinus

The sinus balloon catheter is deflated and removed, leaving the ostium open. The sinus is then irrigated, flushing tenacious sinus contents such as pus and mucus.

Remove System

The irrigation catheter is removed, leaving the sinus cleared of mucus and allowing the return of sinus drainage. There is little to no disruption to the mucosal lining.

Balloon Sinuplasty FAQs

What is the balloon sinuplasty system?

The balloon sinuplasty system is the name used for a group of medical devices 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 re-structure the previously blocked nasal passage, restoring normal sinus drainage.

Are the balloon sinuplasty devices safe?

Yes. The balloon sinuplasty technology is minimally invasive and has been clinically proven safe by leading ENT doctors.

How long does surgery with balloon sinuplasty technology take?

The duration of the procedure varies by individual situations. The average procedure time is roughly three hours, including the surgery and post-anesthesia recovery time.

Will I require general anesthesia for surgery with balloon sinuplasty technology?

Most patients undergo local anesthesia for sinus surgery with balloon sinuplasty. 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.

Does Medicare cover balloon sinuplasty devices?

Yes. Medicare covers endoscopic sinus surgery when any combination of tools (including a balloon catheter) is used to perform the procedure.

Do other insurance carriers cover balloon sinuplasty devices?

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.