How Does Balloon Sinuplasty Work?
Balloon Sinuplasty is a procedure that is safe and effective for the treatment of painful sinus symptoms in those suffering from chronic sinusitis. Around 400,000 patients have already been treated with this procedure for their chronic sinusitis symptoms.
One advantage of Balloon Sinuplasty is that the technique is minimally-invasive, meaning it does not require incisions in the nasal tissue or bone. Since no incisions are involved, the procedure is less risky and less downtime is necessary for healing.
This procedure allows us to open blocked sinuses much like heart surgeons clear blocked arteries with a balloon angioplasty procedure. This technique is much less invasive than conventional sinus surgical procedures, and it helps relieve chronic sinusitis symptoms effectively and safely.
Balloon Sinuplasty Research
Studies have found that Balloon Sinuplasty is extremely safe, with a 0.1 percent complication rate. The procedure offers significant, consistent improvements in symptoms and may be performed in-office. The procedure is effective in the treatment of chronic sinusitis, asthma, previous surgeries, septal deviations, and for those with frontal, sphenoid, and maxillary disease.
The Procedure
Balloon Sinuplasty is an outpatient procedure that is performed in the comfort of our state-of-the-art facility. Our doctor will insert a guided catheter into your nose, followed by a flexible wire. After he confirms access to the blocked sinus, the balloon catheter is placed into position, and the balloon is inflated. If successful, your sinus should stay opened after balloon deflation and removal.
What to Expect After Balloon Sinuplasty
Since you will be undergoing a non-surgical procedure, you should not expect the kind of side effects you would anticipate after conventional sinus surgery. Some swelling is not uncommon, which feels like congestion.
To minimize temporary congestion, you can keep your head elevated, as well as take any steroids or antibiotics we may prescribe for you. This should also drastically lower any chances of developing an infection.
Schedule a Consultation to Learn More
Virtually all Balloon Sinuplasty patients experience no relapse in symptoms after two years, meaning the procedure’s results last significantly longer than more conventional sinus procedures. To see if this procedure is right for you, make an appointment at the office of Daniel J. Leeman, MD in Austin. Contact us today to book a consultation and get started!