21 Sep Balloon Sinuplasty FAQ: Your Most Common Questions, Answered

Do you have questions about balloon Sinuplasty?

If so, don’t worry, you’re not alone!

It’s only natural to want to understand more about a condition that can negatively effect you or a loved one’s life—and find the path to lasting relief.

If you suffer from chronic sinusitis, you may find relief undergoing a Balloon Sinuplasty procedure.

Sinusitis and persistent symptoms can be notoriously difficult to resolve with medical intervention for some individuals, as patients with chronic sinusitis or reoccurring bouts of acute sinusitis may well know. When medications fail to provide adequate relief, an ENT doctor may recommend either traditional sinus surgery or Balloon Sinuplasty, which has become a popular and preferable option for eligible patients.

When considering Balloon Sinuplasty, also called balloon sinus surgery, for your chronic sinusitis, having questions and a desire to learn more are good thing. We want patients to feel as comfortable and informed as possible about their treatment options and procedures.

Below are some of the most common patient questions about Balloon Sinuplasty:

What is Balloon Sinuplasty?
Balloon Sinuplasty is an innovative, minimally invasive procedure used to treat patients with sinusitis caused by blocked opening of the sinus cavities. A tiny balloon is placed into the nose to reach the blocked sinuses and then inflated to restructure the sinus opening. Essentially, it works by enlarging the opening and allowing the sinus to drain, clearing congestion and debris so you can breathe freelh. It is an outpatient procedure that can be performed in-office.

Is Balloon Sinuplasty approved by the FDA?
Balloon Sinuplasty received FDA clearance in 2005. The procedure is safe and effective, and well-established.

How Many People have had the Balloon Sinuplasty Procedure?
More than 375,000 people around the world have undergone Balloon Sinuplasty. This figure also includes over 35,000 people in the office setting.

Is Balloon Sinuplasty Safe?
Yes. Clinical studies have shown that Balloon Sinuplasty is safe, minimally invasive, and significantly improves quality of life.

Does Balloon Sinuplasty Work?
Yes, it is proven to be effective. Nearly all patients experience lasting relief, report significant and immediate improvement in symptoms and quality of life. Clinical research confirms that Balloon Sinuplasty provides long-term relief from sinus symptoms by effectively opening blocked sinus passageways.

Are Results Permanent or Might I Need to Undergo Multiple Procedures?
Most patients typically only undergo the Balloon Sinuplasty once—and the vast majority of patients report no re-lapse in their symptoms for at least two years.

Balloon Sinuplasty restructures the sinus opening, restoring normal sinus drainage. Therefore, it addresses the underlying anatomical factors that can be at the root of the issue, contributing to or causing your sinusitis to reoccur or never really quite resolve.

Like any procedure, though, there is always a degree of variability because each individual patient is unique. How long your sinuses stay open depends on the extent of your sinus disease or other factors. It is unlikely that you would require repeat procedures, but the procedure may be repeated if your ENT deems it necessary.

What are the Advantages of Balloon Sinuplasty over Traditional Sinus Surgery?
Balloon Sinuplasty is less invasive than traditional sinus surgery with minimal bleeding. There are no incisions and no cutting/removal of bone or tissue involved. Pain and discomfort is minimal. While recovery time varies with each patient, recovery time is typically fast. A study of in-office balloon dilation showed that most patients returned to work and normal activity within 2 days.

Does the Balloon Contain Latex?
The balloon is made from a high strength plastic and does not contain latex.

What are the Risks Associated with Balloon Sinuplasty?
Because Balloon Sinuplasty is minimally invasive, there is a very low complication rate. As with any procedure, however, there are some associated risks, including tissue and mucosal trauma, infection, or possible optic injury. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits and to determine whether Balloon Sinuplasty is right for you.

How Long Does the Balloon Sinuplasty Procedure Take?
The average procedure time is approximately a little over an hour. In a study of more than 1,00 patients, the average time was 73 minutes, and no patients required an overnight stay at the hospital. Of course, the duration of the procedure varies, depending on each individual case. You can ask your doctor for the most accurate answer.

What Kind of Anesthesia Will I Need?
Most typically, patients do not require general anesthesia during a Balloon Sinuplasty. It is increasingly common for ENT doctors to perform the procedure in the office, under local anesthesia. Still, this can depend on your health history and the extent of your personal treatment plan. Your healthcare provider can best advise you on your anesthesia options.

How Long Does It Take to Recover After Balloon Sinuplasty?
Patients go home the same day that they have the procedure. While recovery time will vary, many people can quickly return to normal activities.

Does Balloon Sinuplasty Limit my Future Sinusitis Treatment Options?
Your doctor may use Balloon Sinuplasty in combination with other medical therapies, and it does not limit future treatment options.

Can Children Undergo Balloon Sinuplasty?
Some ENT doctors treat children with Balloon Sinuplasty if they are good candidates with favorable results. It may be a safe and effective option to relieve chronic sinusitis symptoms in children’s maxillary sinuses. Contact your ENT for more details.

Is Balloon Sinuplasty Covered by My Insurance or Medicare?
Yes. Medicare covers Balloon Sinuplasty both in the office and hospital settings. The majority of insurance carriers cover Balloon Sinuplasty, but it’s a good idea to contact your insurance provider to determine your specific policy.

Is Balloon Sinuplasty Right for Me?
To learn more and determine if you could be a good candidate for Balloon Sinuplasty, contact our office now to schedule an appointment.

The Ohio Sinus Institute specializes in Balloon Sinuplasty and treating sinus disorders with the latest and most advanced therapies. During your consultation we’ll discuss your health issues to determine the best treatment options for you and your unique situation.

If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to ask! We’re happy to answer any questions you may have and provide more details. Give us a call today to get started on your journey to sinus relief.