subject: What is Balloon Sinuplasty? [print this page] What is Balloon Sinuplasty? What is Balloon Sinuplasty?
Sinusitis is one of the most common problems that affect millions throughout the world. Balloon Sinuplasty is a new painless technique that is being extensively used by the doctors to help the patients suffering from sinusitis.
The principle on which this technique works is same as that of balloon angioplasty, in which the doctors make use of a small inflatable device for widening a congested sinus opening. There is a passageway or narrow opening that connects the sinus to the nose. The tissues present in this opening, swell up when affected by an infection or allergy. These swelled up tissues result in the narrowing or sometimes complete blockage of the passageway. As a result the mucus starts retaining in the sinus cavity. Gradually the air filled cavity starts becoming filled with fluid. This gives rise to the most prominent symptoms of sinusitis such as blocked nose and a headache.
Now, when such a patient approaches the doctor, baloon sinuplasty is the first thing that is suggested to the patient. In this technique, a catheter and wire are used to insert a small uninflected balloon into the sinus opening through the patient's nostril. Then the balloon is gradually filled with air so as to expand it for about 3 to 5 mm. this expansion fractures and pushes the surrounding bones apart. Hence the opening of the sinus gets widened. As soon as the opening widens the retained mucus is drained backs and the patient is relieved of the symptoms.
Before the introduction of this technique, Endoscopic Sinus Surgery was the standard procedure that was used to treat the sufferers of chronic sinusitis. This surgery involved the removal of surrounding tissue. But this innovative technique aims to deliver similar results but without any cutting of tissue or incisions. In fact this technique can be carried out as a day care process.
Balloon sinuplasty doctors have acknowledged great results, especially in the case of patients with frontal sinus. On the other hand, most of the endoscopic surgeons believe frontal sinus to be quite challenging and difficult. While availing such sort of treatment it is important for the patient to avail the services of qualified and expert doctors.
