What is balloon sinuplasty?
Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure that relieves blockages and enlarges the sinuses using a tiny balloon that helps with sleep apnea. During the FDA-approved procedure, a catheter is put into the nose, and inserts the balloon inside the sinuses. Gradually, the balloon is then inflated and the sinus passages are widened. Often, this procedure is used to treat nasal obstructions and other sinus-related issues.
Why is balloon sinuplasty performed?
A balloon sinuplasty surgery is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure used to treat chronic sinusitis and relieve sleep apnea symptoms. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the lining within the paranasal sinuses. Once inflamed, the sinus cavities become a fertile ground for viruses and bacteria to grow, resulting in infection. When acute sinusitis becomes chronic, it may indicate a problem with the structure of the nose or sinuses. A balloon sinus surgery may be recommended in these cases. In addition, the procedure can also be used to treat sleep apnea (OSA) that is caused by a nasal obstruction.
What does balloon sinuplasty involve?
Balloon sinuplasty can be performed by an ear, nose and throat specialist in an office setting. It is commonly performed while the patient is under general anesthesia to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
To insert the balloon into the sinuses, an ENT doctor will use a guide catheter, which has a light at the end to keep the area viewable. Once the balloon is in place, doctors will carefully inflate it while it is positioned inside the nasal passageway.
After, the doctor will cleanse the area with a saline solution to prevent infection and support healing of the area. Patients usually return home the same day of the procedure, and can expect minimal bleeding throughout the next few days.
The Advantages Of Balloon Sinuplasty?
Advantages of balloon sinuplasty include:
- Minimally invasive
- Short recovery time
- Minimal bleeding and pain associated with recovery
- Little discomfort during the procedure
- No scarring
If you are suffering from chronic sinusitis or sleep apnea and believe you may need balloon sinuplasty, the first step towards feeling better is to schedule an evaluation with an experienced ear, nose and throat doctor. Board certified physicians with New York ENT have extensive experience diagnosing and treating a wide variety of nasal conditions. Fill out the form on this page or call our office at 212-873-6036 to schedule an appointment today.