NE Valley Times

• Balloon sinuplasty was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2005
• It can help treat chronic sinusitis with long-lasting effects
• The procedure is minimally invasive, and there's no cutting or removal of bones or tissue

Dr. Franklyn Gergits of Sinus and Allergy Wellness Center said a balloon sinuplasty is a quick and easy procedure that can help patients significantly with their sinus troubles.

Balloon sinuplasty, also known as balloon catheter dilation surgery or the "smart sinus" procedure, is a cutting-edge technique used to alleviate blocked sinuses, according to Healthline. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2005, this relatively new procedure offers a promising solution for individuals suffering from chronic sinusitis when other treatments have proven ineffective.

Unlike traditional surgical approaches, balloon sinuplasty does not involve cutting or the removal of bones or tissues. Instead, it utilizes a balloon catheter to gently expand and clear the blocked sinuses. This minimally invasive procedure has shown minimal complications and offers a quicker recovery time compared to more invasive methods.

Gergits explained that balloon sinuplasty is a far less invasive approach to helping patients.

"The nice thing about the balloon sinuplasty is that it's a very conservative approach. We're not doing any cutting or tissue removal from the nasal cavity. At the time of the procedure, the balloon itself is a very small, thin probe. With the aid of our endoscope, I can see inside the nasal cavity and accurately place that balloon into the narrow sinus openings."

A balloon sinuplasty is an in-office procedure that's simple and only takes about an hour, according to Entellus Medical. The preparation takes about thirty minutes and involves anesthetics being applied to the nose for more comfort. A thin instrument with a balloon is then guided through your sinus, the balloon is gently inflated for five seconds with saline, and when your sinuses open, the balloon is removed.

The physical symptoms associated with chronic sinusitis can greatly impact an individual's quality of life. These symptoms may include nasal inflammation, a runny nose, postnasal drainage, congestion, facial pain or swelling, headaches, loss of smell and taste, a sore throat, bad breath or fatigue, as reported by Mayo Clinic.

Gergits shared that patients enjoy the outcome of the procedure with its minimal invasiveness and positive outcomes.

Balloon sinuplasty offers new hope for individuals seeking relief from chronic sinusitis. As medical advancements continue, this procedure holds promise for improving the lives of those affected by this debilitating condition.

"If we can do the procedure in a very conservative fashion to maximize the outcome, we can make patients feel much better without having a trip to the operating room or the surgery center," Gergits said. "There's no packing inside; there's no downtime. That is significant [for our patients]! Patients who have balloon sinuplasty performed get back to their regular routines within 24 to 48 hours. Patients definitely love that. It really is a game-changer when they're dealing with these chronic sinus troubles."

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