Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive, FDA-approved procedure that has proven highly effective in treating chronic sinus problems.
If you suffer from chronic sinusitis and typical medical interventions–such as antibiotics, nasal steroids or allergy treatments–have not worked, you may be a good candidate for balloon sinuplasty.
Because there are a variety of underlying issues that can contribute to sinusitis, it is important to consult with an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist. The doctors at Sierra Nevada ENT are experts when it comes to diagnosing and treating chronic sinusitis and can help determine if a balloon sinuplasty procedure is right for you.
Procedure
A balloon sinuplasty procedure is a non-surgical option used to open and flush the sinus cavities.
If it is determined that balloon sinuplasty is a good option for you, our ear, nose and throat specialist will first insert a flexible tube with a light into your nostrils. This light allows Dr. Manoukian to guide a small, specialized balloon to the appropriate location in the sinus passageways using state-of-the-art computer navigation . The balloon catheter is then inflated, gently opening the sinus passageways.
After the passageways are opened, our doctors may use a saline solution to help irrigate the sinuses. When the catheter is removed, the passageways to the clear sinuses remain enlarged, allowing them to drain more effectively.
In contrast with some other nasal surgeries, which remove bone and/or tissue, balloon sinuplasty is significantly quicker, less invasive and requires a much shorter recovery time. In fact, balloon sinuplasty could be compared to angioplasty, which uses a similar balloon catheter to open blocked coronary arteries and improve blood flow without the need for open heart surgery.
At Sierra Nevada ENT, we perform balloon sinuplasty procedures in our office under local anesthesia. It typically takes about two hours, and most patients find they can resume normal activities after 24 hours.
Before & After
To understand how balloon sinuplasty works, it helps to understand the structure of the sinuses. Sinuses are cavities that exist across our low forehead, between our eyes, behind our nose and along our cheekbones. They are normally empty, lined only with tissue and a thin layer of mucus. This mucus typically drains out the nose, helping rid the body of dirt and bacteria.
Sinusitis occurs when the sinus lining swells and blocks the channels that drain the sinuses. Mucus then fills up the nose and sinus cavities, leading to congestion, pressure and even pain.
Many people will suffer from sinusitis at some point in their life. Most of the time, it is acute in nature, meaning that symptoms last fewer than four weeks and typically resolve on their own. Chronic sinusitis, on the other hand, lasts 12 weeks or longer, tends to recur frequently and typically doesn’t resolve with over-the-counter or at-home treatments.
Most Sierra Nevada ENT patients experience a marked difference before and after balloon sinuplasty. In fact, several academic analyses of balloon sinuplasty outcomes have found lasting and positive effects in approximately 95 percent of patients, including significant reduction in the frequency and severity of sinusitis symptoms.
Trying Balloon Sinuplasty
Sierra Nevada ENT’s balloon sinuplasty procedure can significantly transform your sinuses, offer long-term relief from symptoms and improve your quality of life.
With locations in Reno, Carson City, Gardnerville and Fallon, we have been proudly serving the Northern Nevada area for over 25 years. Our medical staff specialize in diagnosing and treating sinus issues and can help determine if a balloon sinuplasty procedure is right for you.
Call to schedule an appointment at one of our four locations today.
