Chronic sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinus lining lasting three months or more, and is one of the most commonly diagnosed chronic illnesses. It is most commonly caused by bacterial, viral, and/or microbial infections. Structural issues such as blockage of the sinus opening can also lead to chronic sinusitis. If the opening is closed, normal mucus drainage may not occur. This condition may lead to infection and inflammation of the sinuses.

The painful symptoms associated with chronic sinusitis can be overwhelming. If symptoms are difficult to control with medications alone, your primary doctor may refer you to an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist, who can determine the best course of treatment, including further medication therapy or surgery to open the sinus passage ways.

 Common signs and symptoms:

• Facial pain, pressure, congestion or fullness
• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Discharge of yellow or green mucus from the nose
• Teeth pain
• Loss of the sense of smell or taste
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Bad breath

If you are experiencing some of these symptoms you may be suffering from chronic sinusitis.

Sinuses are air-filled pockets that surround the nose. Each sinus has an opening through which mucus drains. Chronic sinusitis sufferers do not experience the normal drainage which keeps the sinus healthy. Cycles of medications can be costly and conventional sinus surgery can be painful.

What is the Balloon Sinuplasty™system?

Now, there is an additional surgical option for treatment of blocked sinuses called Balloon Sinuplasty Technology. If you have been diagnosed with chronic sinusitis and are not responding well to antibiotics you may be a candidate for surgery. Your surgeon now has a less invasive option that is clinically proven to be safe, effective and improve the quality of your life.

Balloon Sinuplasty Technology is an endoscopic, catheter-based system for patients suffering from sinusitis. The FDA-cleared technology uses a small, flexible, sinus balloon catheter to open up blocked sinus passageways, restoring normal sinus drainage. When the sinus balloon is inflated, it gently restructures and widens the walls of the passageway while maintaining the integrity of the sinus lining.

The benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty Technology:

·                    Safe and Effective
While use of any surgical instrument involves some risk, clinical research has indicated the Balloon Sinuplasty System to be safe and effective in improving symptoms of sinusitis.

·                    Minimally Invasive
The technology uses small, soft, flexible devices that enter entirely through the nostrils. These devices gently open blocked sinus openings, and in many cases, without tissue or bone removal.

·                    Minimal Bleeding
Because in many instances no tissue or bone is removed when using this technology, there may be little bleeding associated with the procedure.

·                    Quick Recovery Time
While recovery time varies with each patient, many people can quickly return to normal activities.

·                    Does Not Limit Treatment Options
This technology is an endoscopic tool and may be used with other medical therapies or sinus surgery techniques. It does not limit future treatment options if you have progressive disease.  

Doctors thread a guide wire equipped with a tiny balloon into the nostrils and up to the area of blockage. They then inflate the balloon just enough to open the passageway. Sinuses are opened in the same way that doctors open up blocked arteries during a balloon angioplasty. The technology is minimally invasive and safe. Tens of thousands of patients have experienced the benefits of the Balloon Sinuplasty system.

How does the technology work?

1. Step 1. Gain Access to the Sinus.
   To gain initial sinus access, the sinus guide is introduced into the nasal cavity to target the sinus ostia under endoscopic visualization. The sinus illumination system is introduced through the sinus guide and gently advanced into the target sinus.
2. Step 2. Inflate Balloon Across Ostium.
   The sinus balloon catheter is introduced over the sinus illumination system and positioned across the blocked ostium. The position of the sinus balloon catheter is confirmed and the balloon is gradually inflated to open and remodel the narrowed or blocked ostium.
3. Step 3. Remove Balloon and Irrigate Sinus.
   The sinus balloon catheter is then deflated and removed. The irrigation catheter is advanced over the sinus illumination system into the target sinus. The sinus is then irrigated, flushing tenacious sinus contents - like pus and mucus. 
4. Step 4. Remove System.
   The irrigation catheter is removed, leaving the ostium open and the sinus cleared of mucus allowing the return of sinus drainage. There is little to no disruption to mucosal lining.

The following symptoms may indicate a sinus infection in your child:

• A “cold” lasting more than 10 to 14 days, sometimes with low-grade fever
• Thick yellow-green nasal drainage
• Post-nasal drip, sometimes leading to or exhibited as sore throat, cough, bad breath, nausea and/or vomiting
• Headache, usually not before age 6
• Irritability or fatigue
• Swelling around the eyes
   

What are the treatment options?

Sinus infections are typically treated with medication prescribed by your doctor. However, for some patients medication will not provide symptom relief, and surgery will be recommended.

Balloon Sinuplasty Technology is a safe and minimally invasive system that widens the maxillary sinuses in children. It is used as a tool by surgeons in the treatment of chronic sinus infections. Unlike traditional sinus surgery, it does not require bone or tissue removal.

Preliminary results from recent studies indicate that opening a sinus using Balloon Sinuplasty Technology in children has an excellent safety profile and may be an effective treatment option for blocked maxillary sinuses.

To learn more about Balloon Sinuplasty, please visit www.balloonsinuplasty.com