BALLOON SINUPLASTY

What is Balloon Sinuplasty?
Balloon Sinuplasty is an innovative new procedure that only recently became part of the armamentarium of the sinus surgeon. It does not require incisions and cutting or the removal of bone and tissue. There is generally less pain, risk of infection, blood loss, bruising and swelling and many patients are often able to return to their normal activities in less time than they would.

When is Balloon Sinuplasty used?
Balloon Sinuplasty is used primarily for opening up the blocked sinus port of the maxillary (cheek) sinuses and the frontal (forehead) sinuses. It is most useful for those patients who have had their sinus problems diagnosed in the early stages of disease, where there is minimal inflammation in the sinuses and when only one or two sinuses are involved.

Under general anesthesia, a physician inserts a guide wire equipped with a tiny balloon at the end through the nostril and into the blocked sinus opening that is visible in the nose with the help of an endoscope. The surgeon will slip the balloon and guide wire into the opening and blow up the balloon. This will compress the swollen tissue and enlarge the opening of the sinus, kind of like an angioplasty of the sinus. Once opened, the wire and balloon are removed and the procedure is over.

Benefits include short recovery time, no removal of tissue so minimal discomfort, and short anesthesia time. Although the risks of sinus surgery still exist for this for this procedure, they are minimized. Ask your New Jersey ENT doctor if you are a candidate for this procedure. Call us today at 201.837.2174 to schedule your appointment.