Recently patients have benefited greatly from new catheter-based treatment techniques. Specialized catheters have reduced the need for major open surgical procedures. Balloon-catheters are an excellent example of such innovation. Patients suffering from symptomatic coronary artery stenosis now can be treated with balloon angioplasty rather than open coronary artery by-pass surgery. Balloon-angioplasty is a truly minimally invasive procedure that has successfully treated many patients while reducing the need for major cardiac surgery.

Based on the success of catheter based balloon treatment in heart disease, bioengineers and inventors at Acclarent Inc. have looked to other areas in medicine where this technique might work. Research now has shown that catheters can be used to open blocked sinuses, just as catheters open blocked arteries. A small catheter can be placed in the nose and guided to the blocked sinus ostium. The catheters are able to pass through and beyond the obstructed sinus ostium into the diseased sinus. Then a specialized balloon catheter can be guided to the obstructed ostium and inflated to relieve the blockage and dilate the sinus ostium. Catheters are used to cleanse and remove harmful material from the sinus such as bacteria. When the catheters are removed the sinus ostium is open and stays this way to help provide long-term sinus health. Balloon dilatation appears to be gentler on the body as it stretches tissue, whereas metal surgical instruments impart greater shearing forces as they cut tissue. This should present a distinct advantage on the delicate sinus mucosa and reduce bleeding and scarring for patients.

What doctors treat sinusitis and perform Balloon Sinuplasty?

Many types of doctors treat sinusitis including general practice physicians, family practice, pediatrics, internal medicine and allergists. However, when sinusitis becomes chronic or it does not respond to medical therapy, it often requires the attention of a specialist, an Ear, Nose and Throat physician or otorhinolaryngologist. Ear, Nose and Throat physicians can perform procedures including balloon sinuplasty and endoscopic surgery.

How can I learn more about Balloon Sinuplasty?

You can learn more about Balloon SinuplastyTM at www.acclarent.com  

How can I find out if I’m a candidate for Balloon Sinuplasty?

Take our questionaire related to your symptoms.