Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive, FDA-approved procedure used to effectively treat chronic and recurring acute rhinosinusitis (sinusitis) that causes continual nasal and sinus symptoms despite prolonged medical treatment. During the balloon sinuplasty procedure, inflamed sinuses are reopened in the same way that heart surgeons open up blocked arteries. No bone or tissue is removed from the nose, and the in-office procedure is performed using local anesthesia. After the application of local anesthesia, a very small endoscope is used to carefully insert a soft, flexible guide wire into the blocked sinus. Once the guide wire is in proper position, a balloon is advanced over the guide wire and inflated to expand the sinus opening. The balloon is then deflated and removed, leaving the sinus with a wider opening.
Balloon sinuplasty is much less invasive compared to traditional sinus surgery. Therefore, the risks of developing a complication from this procedure are very minimal. Potential risks may include: sinus infection, bleeding, development of nasal crusting, localized swelling around the eyes, cerebrospinal fluid leak, temporary or permanent visual changes or injury to eye muscles, and recurrence of sinus disease requiring additional medical or surgical therapy. These complications are very rare and typically all resolve with proper medical care.
It is extremely important that balloon sinuplasty patients comply with all postoperative instructions and medications, and return for all scheduled postoperative office visits. It is during these visits that treatment may be adjusted in response to an unknown developing complication or poor healing.