Minimally Invasive Sinus Procedure Now Available For Children

| Posted in Sinus & Nasal |

Balloon SinuplastyTM, a minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of sinusitis, recently received clearance from the FDA for use in pediatric patients.This procedure provides all the benefits of the standard sinus surgery, with less pain and faster recovery time.The physicians of CornerStone Ear, Nose & Throat have performed this procedure with adults for the past two years.

“I am certain Balloon Sinuplasty will make appropriate pediatric cases easier and less traumatic for our young patients,” said practice founder William McClelland, M.D., F.A.C.S. According to Dr. McClelland, typically children are playing and feel normal 48 hours after such a procedure. Their worst symptoms are usually due to the anesthetic, not the procedure itself.

Using the Balloon Sinusplasty system, a sinus guide catheter and a flexible sinus guidewire are placed through the nostrils to access the target sinus. Next, a sinus balloon catheter is advanced over the sinus guidewire.

Using the Balloon Sinusplasty system, a sinus guide catheter and a flexible sinus guidewire are placed through the nostrils to access the target sinus. Next, a sinus balloon catheter is advanced over the sinus guidewire.

The sinus balloon catheter is positioned across the blocked ostium and gently inflated.

The sinus balloon catheter is positioned across the blocked ostium and gently inflated.

The Balloon Sinusplasty system is removed, leaving an open sinus passageway and restoring normal drainage and function.

The Balloon Sinusplasty system is removed, leaving an open sinus passageway and restoring normal drainage and function.

The Benefits To Using Balloon Sinusplasty Technology To Treat Pediatric Sinusitis:

  • Safe & Effective
  • Minimally Invasive
  • Reduced Bleeding
  • Improved Recovery Time
  • Does Not Limit Treatment Options

Case Study:

A six-year-old female patient suffered from chronic maxillary rhinosinusitis for most of her life, compounded by asthma.

Figure 1: The CT scan shows bilateral maxillary blockage.

Figure 1: The CT scan shows bilateral maxillary blockage.

Her symptoms included constant nasal congestion, coughing, and snoring. After years of failed medical therapy, a CT scan confirmed bilateral maxillary blockage and bilateral thickening of the mucus membrane.The CT scan also showed a hypoplastic right maxillary sinus and a lateralized right uncinate (Figure 1). Based on the nature and duration of the disease, it was decided that the patient should undergo bilateral maxillary sinus surgery using the Balloon Sinuplasty system in conjunction with adenoidectomy.

Under general anesthesia, bilateral middle turbinate reduction using a shaver, bilateral maxillary anstrostomy using balloon dilation technique, and adenoidectomy were performed. The patient was prescribed a 10-day course of amoxicillin following the surgery. Six months after the procedure, the patient had no signs of sinus infection whatsoever, drainage was no longer a problem, her cough was almost completely resolved, and inhalers were no longer needed. Continued use of Nasonex was recommended.

A fluoroscopic view shows the Relieva sinus balloon catheter inflated to gently remodel the ostium.

A fluoroscopic view shows the Relieva sinus balloon catheter inflated to gently remodel the ostium.

While this procedure can be very effective, ongoing medical care to address allergy or non-allergic inflammation is considered critical to achieving excellent long-term results.