Balloon Sinuplasty

A balloon sinuplasty can help treat chronic rhinosinusitis by inserting a small, flexible balloon catheter into the blocked sinus pathways and gently inflating it. This action is able to widen the natural drainage openings, without cutting or removing any bone or tissue, to restore normal airflow and ease pressure. This also helps drain mucus and remove other blockages. Balloon sinuplasty can also reduce a patient’s reliance on medications, reduce the frequency of debilitating sinus infections, and lower the need for repeated rounds of antibiotics. ⁽²⁾

If you are suffering with chronic sinusitis or a recurrent acute sinus infection where symptoms do not improve with medications, you may be an ideal candidate for this procedure. Balloon sinuplasty is also ideal if you have multiple sinus infections a year. This is often a clear sign of an underlying concern and not just a superficial issue. Ideal candidates are in good general health and hold realistic expectations for achievable outcomes. Dr. Cristel will determine candidacy during the consultation.

During your personal consultation, Dr. Cristel will review your medical history and discuss your symptoms in detail. He will also perform a physical examination of your nasal pathways and a nasal endoscopy to evaluate your chronic congestion or infections. After gathering this information, he will explain how balloon sinuplasty can benefit you, how the procedure unfolds, and what improvements you can expect. He will also provide further details about your anesthetic options and recovery process. By explaining every step of the procedure, Dr. Cristel aims for you to feel confident and comfortable before entering treatment.

At the beginning of your procedure, you will receive sedation and/or local anesthesia to ensure comfort. Dr. Cristel will use an endoscope, which is a specialized instrument with a camera, to look inside your nasal passages. With the help of the endoscope, he will carefully and strategically pass a balloon catheter into the nostrils and gradually inflate it to open up the sinus passageways. Once your nostrils are open, he will clear and drain the trapped mucus, pus, and debris from the sinuses with a saline solution. ⁽³⁾ Once he completes this step, he will deflate the balloon and remove the entire catheter system, leaving the natural pathways open.

Immediately after your procedure, you may return home and resume normal light activities within 24 to 48 hours. ⁽⁴⁾ You must avoid blowing your nose for the first 24 hours to let the delicate tissue heal and use the prescribed saline nasal sprays to keep the passages clean and prevent crusting. Dr. Cristel also recommends prioritizing rest and avoiding heavy lifting or intense exercises for the first couple of days. Additionally, you should sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling and improve nighttime breathing. If you are experiencing any discomfort, over-the-counter or prescribed medications can help provide relief.

Your balloon sinuplasty will create noticeable improvements in nasal breathing and drainage, relieve congestion, and alleviate pressure. Long-term, your nasal passages will remain open and clear, resulting in easier breathing, fewer infections, and a drastically reduced need for antibiotics. Patients can prolong their outcomes by protecting their nasal health. Because this procedure involves the widening of the sinus pathways, the structural changes do not wear out.