Research
As part of Ohio Sinus Institute’s mission to incorporate the latest treatment options for our patients we frequently participate in or initiate institutional review board approved research protocols. This allows us to keep abreast of current clinical trends while also contributing new ideas for surgical and medical management of chronic rhinosinusitis. Ongoing studies are listed below.
Medical Management Protocols
1. Comparison of Balloon Sinus Dilation (Balloon Sinuplasty) for medically refractory chronic rhinosinusitis versus Maximal Medical Therapy for Chronic Rhinosinusitis.
Patients with diagnosed chronic rhinosinusitis will have the option of managing their disease with a balloon sinus dilation intervention versus the second option of undergoing further medical therapy. Dr. Karanfilov is serving as a co-principal investigator with Dr. Chris Melroy and Dr. Spencer Payne. Study actively enrolling, please call for appointment to determine eligibility.
2. A novel, herbal based nasal spray for nasal obstruction.
Principal investigator, Frederick A. Kuhn, M.D., of Georgia Nasal & Sinus Institute is heading up a double blinded, placebo control trial evaluating the effectiveness of an all natural, herbal based nasal spray in relieving nasal obstruction. The study involves completing a few simple nasal questionnaires and taking a smell test. Please inquire regarding participation and whether you are a candidate. Study is currently open for enrollment.
3. A novel irrigation protocol.
A new irrigation device and irrigation formula will be tested. Participants will receive the device and materials at no cost. Study to begin enrollment in September.
Surgical Management Protocols
1. Office-Based Balloon Sinus Dilation: A prospective multi-center study of 203 patients
Dr. Karanfilov served as principal investigator for the world’s largest clinical trial to date evaluating the safety, efficacy and tolerability of balloon sinus dilation in the office setting under local anesthesia. 14 clinical sites contributed patients to the study and the results have been presented as an oral presentation at the Spring Combined Otolaryngological Society Meeting during the American Rhinologic Society Session. The manuscript for publication has been accepted into the prestigious International Forum of Allergy and Rhinology and is currently in the revision stage. A summary of the data demonstrated patency rates exceeding 90%, qualities of life measures significantly improving and radiographic scores showing statistically significant improvement. Greater than 83% of patients found the procedure tolerable and the majority of patients returned to work within 2 days. (Trial is closed as of March 2012)
2. Office-Based Image Guided Balloon Sinus Dilation: A retrospective review of cases and clinical recommendations.
We are enrolling patients who are candidates for image guided surgery with the option of performing the procedure in the office. Ohio Sinus Institute has heavily invested in latest equipment including a stereotactic computer image guided machine that serves as a navigation system for the sinuses. The goal of the study is to define patient criteria for office based sinus dilation and explain the role an image guided system has in the office setting. Currently offered to nearly all patients undergoing balloon sinus dilation.
Imaging Research
1. A prospective survey of patients undergoing point of care office based cat scanning with a cone beam cat scanner versus traditional helical cat scanning.
Patients interested in participating will complete a one page survey commenting on their experience with a hospital based cat scanner versus our point of care office based scanner. Study currently enrolling patients.
2. A retrospective review of the first 1000 Cone Beam Cat Scans with emphasis on abnormal findings, Lund-Makay Scoring and utilization assessment.
3. A retrospective review of post balloon dilation peripheral sinuses comparing presurgical dimensions to post surgical healed dimensions.
Information for Patients
For all patients who are interested in participating in our open protocols, please contact the office, 614-771- 9871, or email at ohiosinus@gmail.com. Dr. Karanfilov has been participating and conducting both basic science and clinical research protocols since 1990. Ohio Sinus Institute has completed the human subjects protection course guiding protocol methods through the National Institutes of Health. This insures the safety of our patients and the integrity of the research. Additionally, most protocols are monitored and approved by either local institutional review boards (OhioHealth) or national review boards (Western IRB).
Information for Industry
Ohio Sinus Institute is a private medical practice with a tertiary Rhinologic referral base. Patient volume is excellent and office capabilities are second to known. We offer in house:
- Cone Beam Cat Scanning
- Nasal Endoscopy with Digital Image Archiving
- Office Procedures:
- Balloon Sinus Dilation
- Turbinate Surgery
- Epistaxis Control
- Polyp Surgery
- Office Computer Image Guided Surgery
- EMR
- Research Coordinator
Our practice model and technological advancements allow for flexible research timelines while achieving budgetary goals.