What is Balloon Sinuplasty?
A balloon sinuplasty is a medical procedure performed by an Otolaryngologist that is used to treat blocked sinus passages relieve sinus pressure. The balloon sinus dilation technique is a less invasive treatment compared to traditional sinus surgery and an alternative for patients looking for an alternative to traditional surgery. When someone who is diagnosed with sinusitis is not responding to medication, the patient may be a candidate for this new technologically advanced procedure.
How Is Balloon Sinuplasty Performed?
Balloon Sinuplasty allows the physician to open the sinus passageways by expanding a small balloon in the sinus opening (similar to the way angioplasty opens the blood vessels in the heart). The widening of the walls of the sinus passageway allows the return of normal drainage to occur. Balloon sinuplasty can be comfortably performed under local anesthesia in a physician’s office. The ENT will use endoscopic visualization to guide a catheter into the sinus, followed by the balloon to stretch the opening.
What is the Outcome of Balloon Sinuplasty?
Most patients enjoy the convenience of being able to return to work the following day after the procedure. Research shows that balloon sinuplasty can provide long-term relief of sinusitis symptoms and its results were equivalent to traditional sinus surgery but with a much easier recovery process.
Experts in Balloon Sinuplasty
With extensive experience in balloon sinuplasty, Dr. Courtney French has trained many physicians from around the country how to perform these procedures. Furthermore, Southern ENT Specialists is one of the few practices in Georgia to have the latest and best equipment to perform these procedures, including in-office surgical CT navigation to add to the precision and safety of the procedure.