Faqs
What is the Balloon Sinuplasty™ system?
The Balloon Sinuplasty™ system is the name used for a group of medical devices that are used to create openings in your sinuses. The devices use a small, flexible balloon that is placed into the nose to reach the sinuses. The balloon is gradually inflated to gently restructure the previously blocked nasal passage, restoring normal sinus drainage.
Does surgery with the Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology work?
Clinical research has indicated that using Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology is safe and effective in dilating sinus openings.
How long does symptom relief last after surgery with Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology?
Results vary by individual. Published clinical data has shown the following regarding patients who have had sinus surgery with Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology:
A study of 1,036 patients at multiple institutions reported that sinus symptoms improved in 96% of patients at an average follow-up period of 10 months.
Another study followed 61 patients at multiple institutions and reported average improvement in symptoms to be clinically and statistically significant out to two years.
How do sinus openings stay open after surgery with Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology?
Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology dilates sinus openings, or ostia by pushing aside bones which comprise the sinus ostia. Moving bone remodels the sinus ostia, creating wider openings.
Are the Balloon Sinuplasty™ devices safe?
The Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology is minimally invasive and has been clinically demonstrated to be safe by leading Ear, Nose and Throat doctors. more than 5,300 surgeons have been trained on Balloon Sinuplasty™ and over 84,000 patients and 252,000 sinuses have been treated with Balloon Sinuplasty™. Each day approximately 200 sinus surgeries are being performed with Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology. Finally, unlike other surgical methods used to clear blocked sinus openings, Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology does not remove any bone or tissue and some patients return to normal activities quicker – within 24 hours without other co-morbid conditions.
What are the risks of surgery with Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology?
Your healthcare provider can best explain the potential risks of surgery with Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology.
How long does surgery with Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology take?
The duration of the procedure varies by individual situations. Ask your healthcare provider for the most accurate answer.
In a study of 1,036 patients who underwent sinus surgery with Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology at multiple institutions, an average procedure time was 3 hours, including the surgery and post-anesthesia recovery time. None of the patients required an overnight stay at the hospital.
Will I require general anesthesia for surgery with Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology?
Most patients undergo general anesthesia for sinus surgery with Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology, but some patients have had the procedure under local anesthesia. Your healthcare provider can best advise you on your anesthesia options.
How long does it take to recover from a typical surgery using the Balloon Sinuplasty™ system?
Because the system is minimally invasive it is typically used in an outpatient setting. While recovery time will vary from patient to patient, many people can return to normal activities within 24 hours after surgery.
Does surgery with Balloon Sinuplasty™ devices limit my treatment options?
No. Balloon Sinuplasty™ devices are endoscopic tools used within conventional sinus surgery and may be used with other medical therapies. They do not limit future treatment options for patients.
Are Balloon Sinuplasty™ devices right for me?
If you suffer from sinusitis, and medication alone has not been effective in relieving your symptoms, you may be a candidate for surgery using the Balloon Sinuplasty™ devices. To find out if you are a candidate for the Balloon Sinuplasty™ devices, please visit the “Is Balloon Sinuplasty™ Right for You” page listed in the side navigation. We also encourage you to talk to your doctor about whether use of these FDA-cleared, endoscopic, catheter-based tools is right for you.
Who uses Balloon Sinuplasty™ devices?
Ear, Nose, and Throat physicians who have been trained on the Relieva Balloon Sinuplasty™ devices.
Are Balloon Sinuplasty™ devices covered by Medicare?
Yes. Medicare covers endoscopic sinus surgery when any combination of tools, including a balloon catheter, is used to perform the procedure.
Are Balloon Sinuplasty™ devices covered by other insurance carriers?
Most insurance companies cover sinus surgery with Balloon Sinuplasty™ devices. To be certain of your coverage, contact your insurance provider to find out your specific coverage policy.
What are patients saying about sinus surgery with Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology?
Click here to see what other patients are saying about their experiences with the Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology.
Download Additional Information
- Natural preservation backed with Balloon Sinuplasty™ Technology [pdf]
- Relieva Balloon Sinuplasty™ Devices [pdf]
For more information about Balloon Sinuplasty™ visit balloonsinuplasty.com.