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"Sinuplasty" is the term that is sometimes used to refer to the Relieva Balloon Sinuplasty™ devices that your surgeon may chose to use during your FESS procedure.
The words, “Balloon Sinuplasty™,” when used together, describe the use of a sinus balloon catheter to surgically repair the sinus ostia during a FESS procedure. FESS is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to open up air cells and sinus ostia (openings) in patients suffering from chronic sinusitis. FESS involves the insertion of an endoscope into the nose for a direct visual examination of the openings into the sinuses. Using the endoscope and a combination of surgical tools, e.g., curettes, forceps, powered micro-debriders, powered shavers, and / or sinus balloon catheters, surgeons enlarge the patient’s sinus openings to clear passageways in order to restore normal sinus ventilation and drainage.
The Balloon Sinuplasty™ devices are FDA-cleared, endoscopic, catheter-based tools specifically designed to be used in sinus surgery. The Sinus Balloon Catheter is gradually inflated to gently restructure the previously blocked nasal passage, maintaining the integrity of the sinus lining and restoring normal sinus drainage and function.
Clinical studies have indicated that using Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology is safe and effective in dilating sinus openings.
While use of any surgical instrument involves some risk, clinical research has indicated the Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology to be safe.1 Furthermore, balloon catheter technology has been used successfully in other medical procedures such as balloon angioplasty for the heart.
Because the system is minimally invasive it is typically used in an outpatient setting. While recovery time will vary from patient to patient, many people can return to normal activities within 24 hours after surgery.
No. Balloon Sinuplasty™ devices are endoscopic tools used within FESS and may be used with other medical therapies. They do not limit future treatment options for patients with progressive disease.
If you suffer from sinusitis, and medical therapy has not been effective in relieving your symptoms, you may be a candidate for surgery using the Balloon Sinuplasty™ devices. Talk to your doctor about whether use of these FDA-cleared, endoscopic, catheter-based tools are right for you.
Information courtesy of Acclarent, Inc
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