Balloon Sinuplasty
What is Balloon Sinuplasty?
Balloon Sinuplasty represents a new technology in the opening of blocked sinuses.
Is it safe? And, is it effective?
While any surgical instrument involves some risk, clinical studies have shown the Balloon Sinuplasty system to be safe and effective in relieving symtoms of sinusitis in select patients.
Is it very invasive?
This technology represents the most minimally invasive surgical approach to the sinuses which is currently available.
Is this a surgical procedure?
It is better to think of Balloon Sinuplasty as a surgical tool rather than as a surgical procedure. While some patients will benefit from Balloon Sinuplasty alone, most patients will require some type of minimally invasive surgery along with the Balloon Sinuplasty to achieve the desired result. The advantage to using this tool over more traditional approaches lies in its proven safety and effectiveness to achieve good results without a highly invasive operation.
What is done?
With the patient asleep, a soft metal guide wire is maneuvered into the effected sinus. An x-ray machine is used to visualize the wire going into the sinus. Next, a soft balloon catheter is slid over the wire and positioned in the narrowed sinus opening, using the x-ray to confirm its position. The balloon is then gently inflated, thus dilating the opening to the sinus. The wire and balloon are then removed.
What can I expect afterwards?
Everyone is different, but most people complain of very minimal pain, and are able to return to work within 2-3 days.
What if it does not work?
In addition to its safety, the most impressive aspect of this procedure is that no bridges are burned. Traditional sinus surgery can always be used in patients who fail Balloon Sinuplasty. The current research, however, has shown Balloon Sinuplasty to be highly effective in selected patients, and further surgery is rarely needed.
More info please log onto www.acclarent.com
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