FAQs
What is sinusitis?
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinus lining. If the sinus opening becomes swollen shut, normal mucus drainage may not occur, and this may lead to infection and inflammation of the sinuses.
Common symptoms include:
- Facial pain, pressure, congestion or fullness
- Nasal blockage
- Discolored mucus from the nose
- Discolored nasal drainage into the throat
- Loss of smell
- Headache
- Bad breath
- Fatigue
What types of doctors treat sinusitis?
Many types of doctors treat sinusitis, including general and family practice physicians, pediatricians, and allergists. However, if you have chronic sinusitis or do not respond to medical treatment, you may be referred to a specialist - an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) physician, or Otolaryngologist.
Three approaches have emerged for treating sinusitis patients:
- Medical therapy
- Endoscopic sinus surgery with cutting instruments
- Endoscopic sinus surgery with balloon catheters
Sinusitis is typically treated first with medication. Treatment with antibiotics or topical nasal steroid sprays is successful for many sinusitis sufferers. Inhaling steam or use of saline nasal sprays or drops can also help. However, an estimated 20-25% of patients do not respond adequately to medications.1
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (with cutting instruments)
Sinus surgery aims to clear blocked sinuses and restore normal sinus drainage and function. The procedure removes bone and tissue to enlarge the sinus opening. The removal of bone and tissue may lead to pain, scarring, and bleeding. Conventional sinus surgery results in an 80-90% success rate in relieving patient symptoms.2,3
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (with Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology)
The technology utilizes a small, flexible, Sinus Balloon that is placed into the nose to reach the sinuses. The Sinus Balloon is gradually inflated to gently restructure the previously blocked sinus opening which helps to restore normal sinus drainage and function. There is minimal bleeding, and many patients have been able to return to normal activities within 24 hours.4 Clinical studies have indicated that the Balloon Sinuplasty™ system is a safe and effective instrument in dilating blocked sinuses.4
Read more about Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology.
What is Balloon Sinuplasty™?
Balloon Sinuplasty™ is the name used for an exciting group of medical devices that are used to create openings in your sinuses. The devices use a small, flexible balloon that is placed into the nose to reach the sinuses. The balloon is gradually inflated to gently restructure the previously blocked nasal passage, restoring normal sinus drainage and function.
What are the Balloon Sinuplasty™ devices?
The Balloon Sinuplasty™ devices are FDA-cleared, endoscopic, catheter-based instruments specifically designed to be used in sinus surgery. The Sinus Balloon Catheter is gradually inflated to gently restructure the previously blocked sinus opening, which restores normal sinus drainage and function, without damaging the sinus.
Does surgery with the Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology work?
Clinical studies have indicated that using Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology is safe and effective in dilating sinus openings.4,5,6,7
Are the Balloon Sinuplasty™ devices safe?
The Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology is minimally invasive and has been clinically demonstrated to be safe by leading Ear, Nose and Throat doctors. Finally, unlike other surgical methods used to clear blocked sinus openings, Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology does not remove any bone or tissue and some patients return to normal activities quicker – within 24 hours without other co-morbid conditions.
How long does it take to recover from a typical surgery using the Balloon Sinuplasty™ system?
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.4
Does surgery with Balloon Sinuplasty™ devices limit my treatment options?
No. Balloon Sinuplasty™ devices are endoscopic tools used within conventional sinus surgery and may be used with other medical therapies. They do not limit future treatment options for patients.
Are Balloon Sinuplasty™ devices right for me?
If you suffer from sinusitis, and medication alone has not been effective in relieving your symptoms, you may be a candidate for surgery using the Balloon Sinuplasty™ devices. To find out if you are a candidate for the Balloon Sinuplasty™ devices, click here. We also encourage you to talk to your doctor about whether use of these FDA-cleared, endoscopic, catheter-based tools is right for you.
Who uses Balloon Sinuplasty™ devices?
Ear, Nose, and Throat physicians who have been qualified on the Relieva Balloon Sinuplasty™ system.
Are Balloon Sinuplasty™ devices covered by Medicare?
Yes. Medicare covers Balloon Sinuplasty™ devices.
How do I find an ENT physician in my area that is trained to use Balloon Sinuplasty™ devices?
Click here to get a list of doctors in your area trained on the use of the technology.
1. Hamilos, J Allergy Clin Immunol 2000; 106: 213-27
2. Levine and Clemente, Sinus Surgery - Endoscopic and Microscopic Approaches, Thieme 2005, p. 260
3. Josephson JS, Med Clin of North Amer 75: 1293-1309; 1991
4. Data on file at Acclarent, Inc.
5. Bolger, W. et al. “Safety and outcomes of balloon catheter sinustomy: a multi center 24-week analysis in 115 patients.” Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. 2007, 137: 10 – 20.
6. Freidman, M. and Scahlch, P. “Functional Endoscopic Dilation of the Sinuses (FEDS): patient selection and surgical technique.” Operative Techniques in Otolaryngology. 2006, 17: 126 – 134.
7. Bolger, W. and Vaughan, W. “Catheter base dilation of the sinus ostia: initial safety and feasibility analysis in a cadaver model.” American Journal of Rhinology. 2006, 20: 290 – 294.