Columbus, Ohio ENT For Balloon Sinus Surgery & Sinuplasty
Ohio’s climate can often lead to chronic or recurring sinus problems. These problems can develop into sinusitis, which leads to post nasal drip, headaches, coughing, swelling around the eyes, and more. Dealing with such problems once required highly-invasive procedures but this is no longer the case. Today, balloon sinus surgery (also known as “sinuplasty”) allows for sinus problems to be corrected through non-invasive means. Dr. Boris Karanfilov performed Ohio’s first balloon sinus dilation in 2005 and was an author on the landmark study describing the first use of balloons to treat sinus disease. Our Columbus clinic is devoted to providing the highest level of care to every patient we serve. Contact us online or by telephone today to schedule an appointment.
Ear, Nose, & Throat specialist helping Columbus residents with sinus problems through non-invasive means
Chronic or recurring sinus problems can be quite uncomfortable. Symptoms can include congestion, post nasal drip, facial pain, sinus pain, and loss of taste and smell. Sinus problems, including sinusitis, often occur after the nasal passages have become inflamed or swollen. This leads to blockage as well as the nose making excessive mucus. Bacterial infection can occur due to lack of drainage and, in some cases, this can lead to more serious upper respiratory tract and lung infections.
A sinus problem, or sinusitis, is diagnosed through a physical exam and a review of the patient’s symptoms. A CT scan is often required to understand the anatomy and which sinuses are involved. If treatments such as antibiotics are not effective then surgery may be necessary. Balloon sinus surgery is a non-invasive procedure in which a small balloon is placed inside the patient’s nose and is then used to gently dilate the sinus openings to allow drainage and flow. The results of this procedure are often permanent, meaning that sinus implants are not required. This procedure does not require cutting into the patient’s skin and is performed under local anesthesia in the office. Patients typically spend about 90 minutes in our office for this procedure.
A sinus problem, or sinusitis, is diagnosed through a physical exam and a review of the patient’s symptoms. A CT scan is often required to understand the anatomy and which sinuses are involved. If treatments such as antibiotics are not effective then surgery may be necessary. Balloon sinus surgery is a non-invasive procedure in which a small balloon is placed inside the patient’s nose and is then used to gently dilate the sinus openings to allow drainage and flow. The results of this procedure are often permanent, meaning that sinus implants are not required. This procedure does not require cutting into the patient’s skin and is performed under local anesthesia in the office. Patients typically spend about 90 minutes in our office for this procedure.
Dr. Boris Karanfilov is a Columbus ENT specialist who is able to perform balloon sinus surgery/sinuplasty here in our offices. We will use your initial appointment to gain an understanding of your symptoms and to determine the specifics of your situation. If balloon sinus surgery is necessary then Dr. Karanfilov will make sure that you know what to expect from the process. Typical examples of what to expect following surgery can include some discomfort, swelling, and discolored nasal drainage. In addition to discussing these potential short-term issues during recovery, Dr. Karanfilov will make sure that you know how to care for yourself during the healing process and we will schedule your follow-up appointments when we call to check on you the following day. Our office is proud of the level of service and care which we offer and we look forward to meeting you.
Columbus ENT specialist who pays close attention to his patients
Dr. Karanfilov understands that dealing with any medical situation can be quite stressful. This is why he brings a close level of personal attention to the care provided. This includes sitting with his patients to discuss any results and answer any questions they may have. He considers it important to ensure that his patients know what to expect from the process and we provide this level of care to each and every person we serve. We are honored to provide care for patients from Columbus and other Ohio areas. Make an initial appointment today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is balloon sinus surgery safe?
First introduced in 2004, the technology has been peer reviewed and approved in regard to safety and effectiveness by the Ear, Nose, and Throat community. Dr. Karanfilov was a contributor and co-author in the landmark study, which was published in 2007 in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
The study was named CLEAR for Clinical Evaluation and Efficacy of Balloon Sinus Dilation. Chronic sinus sufferers were enrolled in several centers throughout the U.S. in 2005. Over 100 patients were followed for a minimum of 6 months after undergoing balloon sinus dilation. There were no complications or injuries to any patients enrolled in the study. Additionally, the study showed that the sinuses remained open in greater than 90% of cases.
How has balloon sinus surgery improved since its inception?
The most recent technology, adapted for balloon sinus dilation, is the use of computer image guidance. The balloon is guided into the blocked sinus passageway with the use of a navigation system for the sinuses. This has also eliminated the need for X-rays during the procedure and has made the balloon more accessible in patients who have had previous surgery with closure or scarring of their sinus openings. We have been offering computer-guided, navigational sinus surgery in the office since 2007.
What is our experience in performing balloon sinus surgery?
Dr. Karanfilov performed the first balloon sinus dilation in Ohio in 2005 and his first in-office balloon dilation under local anesthesia in 2007. In-office balloon sinus dilation utilizes similar tools and techniques as in the operating room, however, patients are now fully awake. Ohio Sinus Institute utilizes a procedure room, the latest endoscopic imaging technologies, and computer image guidance for the most complicated cases. Dr. Karanfilov participated in the first clinical trial ORIOS I, which compared office balloon sinus dilation vs. traditional functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in the operating room. This study was published and showed that in-office balloon sinus dilation was safe, effective, and well-tolerated.