Balloon Sinuplasty (Balloon Sinus Procedure)

Balloon sinuplasty is typically used to treat cases of severe rhinosinusitis or sinus inflammation and blockage in the nose. A type of endoscopic nasal procedure, it uses small balloon catheters that inflate to drain the large nasal sinuses.

What is balloon sinuplasty?

Balloon sinuplasty is a special procedure that may offer relief to patients suffering from sinusitis. It is an endoscopic procedure, which means it does not require surgical injury to the tissues. It is done in the office under local anesthesia with some mild sedation if required.

The procedure usually takes under 30 minutes and the patient can return to most normal activities generally within 2–3 hours.

Do I need this procedure?

Patients with the following symptoms are good candidates for balloon sinuplasty:

  • Recurrent sinus infections not responding to drug therapy
  • Pain over and around the eyes
  • Nasal blockage and snoring
  • Chronic cough and chronic headaches
  • Persistent halitosis (bad breath)
  • Breathing problems

What are the benefits of balloon sinuplasty?

Some benefits of balloon sinuplasty include:

  • Less invasive compared to other surgical procedures, meaning there is minimal trauma to the patient
  • Relief of facial pain and pressure
  • Resolution of sinus infections, snoring and nasal blockage
  • Improvement in cough and asthma symptoms
  • Much less pain and minimal bleeding
  • More convenient, as it can be done in an outpatient setting
  • Faster recovery periods

How does it work?

A wire catheter with a tiny balloon is inserted in the affected nostril up to the part of the nose where there is a blockage. The balloon is then inflated, opening the nostril and widening the passageway. The balloon is then removed after the procedure.

Step 1. A balloon catheter is inserted into the inflamed sinus.

Step 2. The balloon is inflated to expand the sinus opening.

Step 3. Saline is sprayed into the inflamed sinus to flush out the pus and mucus.

Step 4. The system is removed, leaving the sinuses open.

Step 1. A balloon catheter is inserted into the inflamed sinus.

Step 2. The balloon is inflated to expand the sinus opening.

Step 3. Saline is sprayed into the inflamed sinus to flush out the pus and mucus.

Step 4. The system is removed, leaving the sinuses open.

When the sinus balloon is inflated, it restructures and widens the walls of the sinus passageway while maintaining the integrity of the sinus lining.