Balloon sinuplasty
One of the more effective methods for treating sinusitis in recent years is a procedure called balloon sinuplasty or balloon sinus dilation. More than 350,000 balloon sinuplasties have been performed on patients with chronic sinusitis. Multiple clinical studies show meaningful improvement in both symptoms and quality of life.
The procedure is considered kinder and gentler than traditional sinus surgery and eliminates the need to cut or remove bone and tissue. One clinical study found all enrolled patients who received balloon sinuplasty reported dramatically improved symptoms within one week of surgery. These participants were also symptom-free during follow-up visits one year after surgery.
During a balloon sinuplasty
The balloon sinuplasty technology includes an endoscopic, catheter-based system. The FDA-approved technology uses a small, flexible, sinus balloon catheter to open up blocked sinus passageways, restoring normal sinus drainage. When the sinus balloon is inflated, it gently restructures and widens the walls of the passageway while maintaining the integrity of the sinus lining.
Step 1: A soft, flexible guidewire is inserted into the blocked sinus.
Step 2: The balloon is advanced over the guidewire and is inflated to gently expand the sinus opening.
Step 3: Fluid may be sprayed into the infected sinus to flush out pus and mucus.
Step 4: The system is removed, leaving the sinus open
The benefits of sinus surgery without the surgery
- Lower risk of bleeding
- Shorter office, clinic, or hospital stay and much faster recovery time
- No intended damage or removal of sinus tissues, structures, mucous membranes, nasal bones or sinus cartilage
- Fewer required post-operative appointments or need to inspect stitches or sutures
- Reduced need for the use of operative and post-operative pain medications
- Reduced need for general anesthesia and lowered risk of adverse reaction to it
- Reduced risk of post-operative infection
- Reduced risk of unintentional tissue or structure damage
- Reduced risk of scarring and continued inflammation
Common questions about balloon sinuplasty
Meet our experts
Bradley Johnson, DO
Board-certified in Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery
Medicine has always been a part of my life. I grew up with a physician father, an OB/GYN. On occasion, he would take me to the hospital with him. Full bio
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Troy Hemme, DO
Board-certified in Otolaryngology
Back when I was attending college at Bethel University, it become clear to me that I wanted to pursue a career that would allow me to help and serve people. Full bio
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Casey Fisher, DO
Board-certified in Otolaryngology & Facial Plastic Surgery
Since an early age, I knew I was interested in medicine. Throughout my young life, I never stopped striving toward my goal of becoming a surgeon. Full bio
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The physicians and clinical staff at Oakdale Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic are committed to your health and well-being. Allergies, sinus and nasal disorders, hearing loss — and many other ENT conditions — can disrupt and complicate life. That’s why we seek out the most innovative diagnostic testing and treatment options that bring real results, improving the quality of life for our patients.