BALLOON SINUPLASTY
What is Balloon Sinuplasty?
Balloon Sinuplasty (BSP) is a safe and effective procedure for sinusitis patients who are not responding well to medications and have either had a sinus infection for more than 12 weeks or have 4 or more sinus infections each year. These patients are seeking relief from uncomfortable and painful sinusitis symptoms.
With Balloon Sinuplasty, ENT doctors open inflamed sinuses in the same way that heart surgeons open up blocked arteries during balloon angioplasty. The procedure is less invasive than traditional sinus surgery, and effective at relieving symptoms of chronic sinusitis. Balloon Sinuplasty allows patients to return to normal activities quickly. Unlike conventional sinus surgery, this innovative procedure does not include cutting to remove bone or tissue from the nose.
The benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty include:
Safe
Since 2005, more than 375,000 patients have been treated safely with Balloon Sinuplasty.
Proven Effective
Most chronic sinusitis patients report clinically meaningful improvement in sinus symptoms and quality of life through 2 years following surgery. 1
Fast Recovery
While recovery time varies with each patient, recovery is typically fast. In a study of in-office balloon dilation, most patients returned to work and normal activity within 2 days.2
Balloon Sinuplasty is minimally invasive and the procedure can be performed right in your ENT’s office. More than 35,000 procedures have been safely completed in the office.
If you have been diagnosed with chronic sinusitis and are not responding well to medications , you may be a candidate for the Balloon Sinuplasty procedure. ENT doctors use this minimally invasive procedure for their sinusitis patients. Balloon Sinuplasty is clinically proven to be a safe and effective procedure option that improves sinus sufferers’ quality of life.
1. Weiss RL, Church CA, et al. Long-term outcome analysis of balloon catheter sinusotomy: two-year follow up. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2008;139:S38-S46.
2. Karanfilov B, Silvers S, Pasha R, Sikand A, Shikani A, Sillers M; for the ORIOS2 study investigators. Office-based balloon sinus dilation: a prospective, multicenter study of 203 patients. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2013;3(5):404-411.
For more information about Balloon Sinuplasty visit balloonsinuplasty.com.
Important Safety Information
Balloon Sinuplasty Technology is intended for use by or under the direction of a physician. Balloon Sinuplasty Technology has associated risks, including tissue and mucosal trauma, infection, or possible optic injury. Consult your physician for a full discussion of risks and benefits to determine whether this procedure is right for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of doctors treat chronic sinusitis?
Many types of physicians including general and family practice physicians, pediatricians, and allergists may prescribe medication for sinusitis. However, if you have chronic sinusitis or if your symptoms do not improve with medication, you may be referred to an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctor, or Otolaryngologist, who can discuss additional options to treat your chronic sinusitis.
How is sinusitis treated?
Sinusitis may be treated with natural therapy such as inhaling steam or using saline nasal sprays, or ENT doctors can prescribe medications such as antibiotics and nasal steroid sprays. However, clinical studies show up to 60% of sinusitis sufferers do not get relief with medication. (2) For patients who do not respond adequately to medications, an ENT doctor may recommend either a Balloon Sinuplasty procedure or traditional sinus surgery.
Traditional sinus surgery removes bone and tissue to enlarge the sinus opening with the aim of clearing blocked sinuses and restoring normal sinus drainage. With this procedure, sinus surgery recovery may be associated with pain and scarring.
Balloon Sinuplasty is an innovative, minimally invasive procedure that ENT doctors use to treat patients with sinusitis. A tiny balloon is placed into the nose to reach the blocked sinuses and then inflated to restructure the sinus opening. The procedure is safe and effective.
Is Balloon Sinuplasty cleared for use by the FDA?
Balloon Sinuplasty received FDA clearance in 2005. Over 375,000 patients have been treated by ENT surgeons using this technology.
Does Balloon Sinuplasty work?
Clinical research confirms that Balloon Sinuplasty provides long-term relief from sinus symptoms by effectively opening blocked sinus passageways.(3)
Is the effect of this procedure permanent or might I have to undergo repeated procedures?
How long your sinuses stay open depends on the extent of your sinus disease or other factors. Balloon Sinuplasty restructures the sinus opening, restoring normal sinus drainage. It is unlikely that you would require repeat procedures, but the procedure may be repeated if your ENT deems it necessary.
How many people have had the Balloon Sinuplasty procedure?
More than 375,000 people around the world have experienced Balloon Sinuplasty, including over 35,000 people in the office setting.
What are the advantages of the Balloon Sinuplasty over traditional sinus surgery?
Balloon Sinuplasty is less invasive than traditional sinus surgery with minimal bleeding. (4) While recovery time varies with each patient, recovery is typically fast. In a study of in-office balloon dilation, most patients returned to work and normal activity within 2 days.(5)
Is Balloon Sinuplasty safe?
Yes. Clinical studies have shown that Balloon Sinuplasty is safe, minimally invasive, and significantly improves quality of life. (3)
What material is the balloon made from?
The balloon is made from a high strength plastic that does not contain latex.
What are the risks associated with Balloon Sinuplasty?
Because Balloon Sinuplasty is minimally invasive, there is a very low complication rate. But there are some associated risks, including tissue and mucosal trauma, infection, or possible optic injury. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits and to determine whether Balloon Sinuplasty is right for you.
How long does the Balloon Sinuplasty procedure take?
Since the duration of the procedure varies, ask your healthcare provider for the most accurate answer. However, in a study of more than 1,000 patients, the average procedure time in the operating room was 73 minutes. (4) None of the patients required an overnight stay at the hospital.
Will I require general anesthesia during Balloon Sinuplasty?
An increasing number of ENT doctors perform the procedure in the office, under local anesthesia. Your healthcare provider can best advise you on your anesthesia options.
How long does it take to recover after Balloon Sinuplasty?
Patients go home the same day that they have the procedure. While recovery time will vary from patient to patient, many people can quickly return to normal activities.(5)
Does Balloon Sinuplasty limit my future sinusitis treatment options?
No. Surgeons may use Balloon Sinuplasty with other medical therapies, and it does not limit future treatment options for patients.
Can Balloon Sinuplasty be used in children?
Yes, Balloon Sinuplasty is a safe and effective option to relieve chronic sinusitis symptoms in children’s maxillary sinuses.
How much does Balloon Sinuplasty cost?
Your cost will vary depending on your insurance coverage and if you have the procedure performed in the office or hospital. Speak with your insurance company about the cost.
Is Balloon Sinuplasty covered by Medicare?
Yes. Medicare covers Balloon Sinuplasty both in the office and hospital settings.
Is Balloon Sinuplasty covered by my insurance carrier?
Although the majority of insurance carriers cover Balloon Sinuplasty, contact your insurance provider to determine your specific policy.