Balloons in the sinuses

 

In the last 10 years or so, balloon dilation of the sinuses, or “balloon sinuplasty” has become a big deal.  So let’s talk about it.  

First, what is it? 

Well, to answer that, we will have to discuss the anatomy of the sinuses a little bit.  There are eight sinuses and of the eight, six of them have just one opening from the sinus into the nose.  That opening can be very narrow, only about a millimeter.  If the opening gets too narrow, then mucous can get trapped in the sinus and can stagnate, turning into an infection, called sinusitis, that sometimes can be very difficult to get rid of.  More traditional surgical techniques involve removing the opening to the sinus cavity, which works well, but does have a few risks which can be scary (bleeding, damage to the eyes, spinal fluid leakage) and does have a recovery period of up to 5-7 days.  The risk is low and the recovery is not that bad, but since balloon sinuplasty was introduced,

It has revolutionized sinus surgery, because the recovery was shortened to only a day or two, and the risks were significantly reduced as well, with major complications becoming very rare.  

Instead of removing the opening into the sinus, the balloon dilates the opening.  No tissue is removed, so the recovery is faster and the risks are lower.

But doesn’t the opening just close back up? 

Not usually, because we are not dilating a soft tissue.  Actually, the openings to the sinuses are made by tiny bones and the dilation moves the bones, which usually stay open.  Remember when I mentioned that the openings were only about one millimeter?  Well the balloon dilators open them to six millimeters, so they are quite a bit bigger after the sinuplasty.  

Is it for everyone who has sinusitis? 

No way.  A lot of patients will get better with medications, like antibiotics and steroids.  Others have polyps, which will need to be removed with the usual sinus surgery techniques.  Also, remember when I said that six of the eight sinuses only have one opening...well, the other two (called the ethmoids, which are located between the eyes) can’t be treated with sinuplasty.  

Want to make an appointment to see if you might be a candidate? Set up an appointment by calling (817) 261-3000.

 

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Teach & Learn, NoseErin Shellenbergersinus infection, sinu, sinus, sinus balloons