Balloon Sinuplasty-FDA approved minimally invasive procedure ideal for some forms of sinus problems

 

 

 

Introduction:

Balloon Sinuplasty technology is a US 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 SinuplastyTM technology
The technology is used only by qualified Ear, Nose, and Throat surgeons who are accredited after special FDA-approved training. Outside of the USA, there are presently only about 200 international ENT surgeons accredited.

Using the Balloon Sinuplasty system, your surgeon gently places a Sinus Guide Catheter and a flexible Sinus Guidewire through the nostrils to access the target sinus.Flouroscopy confirms intended position in the 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 SinuplastyTM technology

• Safe and Effective
  While use of any surgical instrument involves some risk, clinical studies have indicated the Balloon SinuplastyTM 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.

Call us for an appointment and Dr. Huang will be most glad to discuss with you about this revolutionary procedure and if it is suitable for your sinus condition.

Dr.Huang's comments:

This new technology is ideal for frontal sinus (forehead) problems.

The frontal sinus anatomy is very complex and until now, even the most experienced sinus surgeons can have problems locating and confirming the location of the frontal sinus opening. As the sinuses are situated near vital structures such as the eye/brain linings and large carotid vessels (in the case of sphenoid sinus), these structures may be inadvertently damaged when the sinuses are not identified correctly..

Even after comfirming the frontal sinus' location, traditional surgery techniques of Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) entails removing mucosa ( internal skin) which often results in scarring leading to stenosis (contraction) and future problems.

The Balloon technique is non-traumatic in the sense that after confirmation (with flouroscopy) that the balloon is in the intended location it is inflated and this widens the bottle-neck by bluntly pushing the natural ostium (opening) outwards. Hence I sincerely feel that it is one of the most promising techniques available to us now.

Another major advantage is that nasal packing is usually not necessary and many patients can be discharged on the same day. There is definitely less bleeding,pain and discomfort.

Other sinus that will benefit from this is the maxillary (cheek) sinus and the sphenoid (below skull base) sinus.

I have discussed with the Acclarent manufacturers and they are at present doing intensive research and development on the other major sinus (ie Ethmoid sinus) but presently, there is no suitable balloon for this sinus.

Balloon sinusplasty is not recommended if the only sinus pathology is gross polyposis as even if we widen the ostia, the polyps would just grow on the mucosa of the widened ostia leading to obstruction again.

Please remember to bring whatever radiological films you already have. A recent CT Scan of the sinuses (Coronal/Axial/Sagittal views) would be required.

If you do not have them, I can readily arrange for one within a day or two.

See you,

Dr.Huang Shoou Chyuan

Click here for link to www.acclarent.com