Western Carolina Ear, Nose, and Throat
Balloon Sinus Dilation
Image-Guided Procedure
Types of Sinusitis
Understanding Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS)
Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS) refers to the inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the nasal passages and sinuses, which can impede proper sinus drainage. The resulting buildup of mucus and fluid within the sinuses can lead to sinus infections, causing increased inflammation and discomfort. (3)
The duration of your symptoms can help classify the type of sinusitis you may be experiencing. Some individuals may struggle for years before finding relief – in a survey of 400 CRS sufferers; over half had suffered for 15 years or more. (5, 2)
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Acute Sinusitis: Symptoms lasting up to 4 weeks.
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Subacute Sinusitis: Symptoms persisting for more than 4 weeks but less than 12 weeks.
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Chronic Sinusitis: Symptoms extending for 12 weeks or longer.
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Recurrent Acute Sinusitis: Recurring episodes, happening 4 or more times a year.
Balloon Sinus Surgery Overview
The NuVent™ EM Sinus Dilation System may be used in a minimally invasive surgical procedure to open blocked sinus pathways. NuVent™ is unique because it has a built-in tracking element that “talks to” our Medtronic image guidance system (IGS) technology. Your sinus anatomy is unique, especially if you have sinus disease. The IGS displays a visual map of your sinus anatomy for your doctor. It works like GPS in a car or phone to help guide and place the balloon device.
The goal of this procedure is to unblock sinus pathways (6) and:
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Improve symptoms
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Reduce infections
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Minimize sinus headaches
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Help you get back to life’s routine
Diagnosis
Your provider may ask questions about your symptoms and health history, and take a sample of your nasal discharge to see what kind of infection you might have.
Depending on the exam results, they may recommend other tests. One test lets them
examine the inside of your nose with an endoscope (a scope with a light attached).
CT scan
Your provider may want to do a computed tomography (CT) scan that creates images of the inside of your sinuses. It may help them more accurately diagnose your condition and select the best treatment option for you.5 A CT scan is also used with our offices image guidance system (IGS) to help us navigate your sinuses during in-office procedures.
Safety Information
Balloon sinus surgery has associated risks, including tissue trauma, bleeding, infection, and possible ophthalmic injury. Patients should always discuss their individual needs and the potential risks and benefits of any treatment or procedure with their doctor. This therapy is not for everyone. Please consult a healthcare professional. A prescription is required. For additional information, please visit Medtronic’s website for prescriptions & the NuVent™ for information on the sinus dilation system.
Before Your Treatment
CT Scan
You’ll need to have a CT scan of your sinuses prior to your procedure. The IGS technology implemented in our office will use this scan to create a visual map of your sinus anatomy.
Anesthesia
NuVent™ may be used in the office or the OR. Your provider will discuss your anesthesia options, which will depend on the extent of disease and other factors.
Image Guidance System (IGS)
A small tracking device and a special instrument will be used to register and map your anatomy to your CT scans in the IGS.
Procedure Process
After Your Treatment
After the procedure, your doctor may prescribe additional medications and irrigations to use to ease pain and swelling. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your doctor. For supplementary information on the NuVent™ EM Sinus Dilation Systems please visit www.sinusitissurgery.com at the link below.
For full prescribing information, consult Medtronic’s website, www.medtronic.com
References:
1. Rosenfeld RM, Andes D, Bhattacharyva N, et al. Clinical practice guidelines: Adult
sinusitis. Otolaryngology Head Neck Surg. 2007;137:S1-S31.
2. Data on File. Medtronic, Inc.
3. American Rhinologic Society. Adult Sinusitis. http://care.american-rhinologic.org/adult_sinusitis.
Accessed September 16, 2015.
4. American Rhinologic Society. Sinus Anatomy. http://care.american-rhinologic.org/sinus-anatomy.
Accessed September 16, 2015.
5. American Rhinologic Society. Sinusitis Q&A. http://care.american-rhinologic.org/sinusitis_q_a?
Accessed October 16, 2015.
6. Chandra RK, Kern RC, Cutler JL, et al. REMODEL larger cohort with longterm outcomes and meta-analysis of standalone balloon dilation studies. Laryngoscope. 2016;126(1):44-50.
7. Marzetti A, Tedaldi M, Passali FM. The role of balloon sinuplasty in the treatment of sinus headache. Otolaryngol Polska. 2014;68:15-19.