Balloon Sinuplasty

Approved for clinical use by the FDA in 2005, ballon sinuplasty is a relatively new technique used to treat blocked sinuses and restore normal drainage. In many cases, the procedure can be done as an outpatient procedure under local anesthetic. Most patients (in-patient or out-patient), go home the same day.

Instead of clearing the sinuses by removing and manipulating tissue with endoscopic instruments like forceps and microdebriders, a balloon is used to open the sinus cavity to faciliate drainage. This procedure is less invasive compared to traditional sinus surgery, leaves the natural sinuses in place, and leads to faster recovery.

A balloon sinuplasty is less invasive, does not require general anestheshia, and leads to faster recovery.

Patients with polyps or other dense tissue obstruction may not be good candidates for a balloon sinuplasty. For these patients, a more traditional functional sinus surgery may be indicated.