Balloon Sinuplasty FAQs

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinus lining. If the sinus opening becomes blocked due to this swelling, normal mucus drainage may not occur, and this may lead to recurrent sinus infections and painful symptoms. Sinusitis can be acute, lasting for less than four weeks, or chronic, lasting longer than 12 weeks. When sinus symptoms last longer than 12 weeks, you should see an ENT doctor for a diagnosis.

Sinusitis is often preceded by a cold or allergy attack. Colds and allergies can lead to inflamed sinuses, causing the sinus openings to become blocked. This prevents normal mucus drainage and can result in sinusitis.

Common symptoms of both acute and chronic sinusitis include:⁽¹⁾

• Facial pain
• Tenderness and swelling around the eyes, cheeks, nose and forehead
• Sinus pressure or congestion
• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Loss of the sense of smell or taste
• Sinus Headache
• Yellow or green mucus from the nose
• Teeth pain
• Fatigue
• Sore throat from nasal discharge
• Bad breath

Many types of physicians including general and family practice physicians, pediatricians, and allergists may prescribe medication for sinusitis. However, if you have chronic sinusitis or if your symptoms do not improve with medication, you may be referred to an Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor (ENT doctor), or Otolaryngologist, who can discuss additional options to treat your chronic sinusitis.

• Sinusitis can be treated non-surgically with natural therapy such as inhaling steam or using saline nasal sprays, or ENT doctors can prescribe medications such as antibiotics or nasal steroid sprays. However, clinical studies show at least 20% of chronic sinusitis patients are not successfully treated with medical therapy. ⁽²⁾ For patients who do not respond adequately to medications, an ENT doctor may recommend sinus surgery.
• Traditional sinus surgery removes bone and tissue to enlarge the sinus opening with the aim of clearing blocked sinuses and restoring normal sinus drainage. With this procedure, sinus surgery recovery is often associated with pain and scarring.
• Balloon Sinuplasty is a breakthrough, minimally invasive procedure that ENT doctors use to treat patients with chronic sinusitis. A tiny balloon is placed into the nose to reach the blocked sinuses and then inflated to restructure the sinus opening. The procedure is safe, effective and has a quick recovery. ⁽³⁾⁽⁷⁾

Read more about Balloon Sinuplasty.

The devices used in the Balloon Sinuplasty procedure were first cleared by FDA in 2005.

Clinical research confirms that Balloon Sinuplasty provides long-term relief from sinus symptoms by effectively opening blocked sinus passageways. ⁽³⁾

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 surgeon deems it necessary.

More than 330,000 people around the world have experienced Balloon Sinuplasty.

Balloon Sinuplasty is less invasive than traditional surgery with minimal bleeding and low post-op pain. ^{(4, 6)} Most people can get back to normal activities and work quickly.

Results vary by individual. A clinical study of 1,036 patients at multiple institutions reported that sinus symptoms improved in 95% of patients at an average follow-up period of 9 months. ⁽⁴⁾ In another study, patients reported symptom improvement up to two years after having the procedure. ⁽³⁾

Yes. Clinical studies have shown that Balloon Sinuplasty is safe, minimally invasive, and significantly improves quality of life. ⁽³⁾

The balloon is made from a type of plastic that does not contain latex.

Because Balloon Sinuplasty is less invasive than traditional sinus surgery there is a low complication rate. But 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.

Since the duration of the procedure varies, ask your healthcare provider for the most accurate answer. However, in a study of more than 1,000 patients, the average procedure time in the operating room was 73 minutes. ⁽⁴⁾ None of the patients required an overnight stay at the hospital.

Most patients undergo general anesthesia, but an increasing number of ENT doctors perform the procedure in the office, under local anesthesia. Your healthcare provider can best advise you on your anesthesia options.

While recovery time varies with each patient, most patients who undergo the in-office procedure can return to normal activities and work within 2 days. ⁽⁷⁾

No. Surgeons may use Balloon Sinuplasty with other medical therapies, and it does not limit future treatment options for patients.

It is important to talk to your ENT doctor about all of your sinus treatment options and ask what type of sinus therapy is best for you. If you suffer from chronic sinusitis, and sinus medications have not been effective in relieving your symptoms, you may be a candidate for Balloon Sinuplasty.

Take the Balloon Sinuplasty Quiz.

Balloon Sinuplasty is a safe and effective option to relieve chronic sinusitis symptoms in children’s maxillary sinuses.

Your cost will vary depending on your insurance coverage. Speak with your insurance company about the cost.

Yes. Medicare’s sinus surgery insurance coverage includes Balloon Sinuplasty.

To be certain of your sinus surgery insurance coverage, contact your insurance provider to find out your specific policy.

See Patient Testimonials about Balloon Sinuplasty.

See Physician Testimonials about Balloon Sinuplasty.