A new option for sinus surgery and those suffering from chronic sinusitis
Crestwood first in North Alabama to offer new technology in sinus surgery - Balloon Sinuplasty
The facts about chronic sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinus lining lasting three months are 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.
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.
A proven option for chronic sinusitis patients
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?
Doctors thread a guide wire equipped with a tiny balloon into the nostrils and up to the area of blockage. Then they inflate the balloon just enough to open the passageway. Sinuses are opened in the same way that doctors open blocked arteries during a balloon angioplasty. The technology is minimally invasive and safe. Tens of thousands of patients have experienced the benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty™ system.
The Balloon Sinuplasty™ approach
How does the technology work?
Step 1. Gain Access to the Sinus
To gain initial sinus access, the sinus guide catheter is introduced into the nasal cavity to target the sinus ostia under endoscopic visualization. The sinus guidewire or the sinus illumination system is introduced through the sinus guide catheter and gently advanced into the target sinus.
Step 2. Inflate Balloon Across Ostium
The sinus balloon catheter is introduced over the sinus guidewire or 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.
Step 3. Remove Balloon and Irrigate Sinus
The sinus balloon catheter is then defined and removed. The irrigation catheter is advanced over the sinus guidewire or sinus illumination system into the target sinus. The sinus is then irrigated, flushing tenacious sinus contents – like pus and mucus.
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.
Learn more about Balloon Sinuplasty