Balloon Sinuplasty

About This Procedure

If you have been diagnosed with chronic sinusitis and are not responding well to medication or if you have recurrent acute rhinosinusitis, you may be a candidate for sinus surgery. The ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctors of Franciscan Health can perform Balloon Sinuplasty™ - a surgical treatment less invasive than traditional sinus surgery. Patients who have gone through Balloon Sinuplasty™ experience less postoperative pain and a shorter recovery time than those who have had traditional sinus surgery.

How does balloon sinuplasty work?

Balloon Sinuplasty™ devices are flexible instruments that allow the surgeon to restore normal drainage and function while preserving the natural anatomy. The technology uses balloon dilation to gently open sinus passages with minimal injury. This endoscopic, catheter-based procedure is used to open blocked sinuses, similar to how cardiac surgeons use balloons during an angioplasty to open blocked coronary arteries.

Treatment and recovery after balloon sinuplasty™

While recovery time varies with each individual or situation, many patients undergo the procedure on a Friday and return to work or normal activities just a couple of days later. They experience minimal discomfort on the path to relief of their symptoms.