THE FIRST BLOG

Sinusitis affects millions of people each year, making it one of the most common health problem in the world. It is more prevalent than arthritis and hypertension and has a greater impact on quality of life than diabetes or congestive heart failure. Symptoms may significantly affect people physically, functionally and emotionally.

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinus lining most commonly caused by bacterial, viral and/or microbial infections, as well as structural issues such as blockage of the sinus opening. if the opening is closed, normal mucus drainage may not occur. This condition may lead to infection and inflammation of the sinuses.

Common symptoms include the following:

Sinuses are air-filled pockets in the areas surrounding the nose. There are four types of sinuses on either side of the face.




Each sinus has an opening through which mucus drains. Mucus drainage is a normal process that keeps that sinus healthy.

Balloon Sinuplasty devices represent a new technology in the opening of blocked sinuses and in many cases without tissues or bone removal. The FDA-cleared Relieva Balloon Sinuplasty products are used by qualified Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) physicians.

Using the Balloon Sinuplasty system, your physician gently places a Sinus Guide Catheter and a flexible Sinus Guidewire through the nostrils to access the target sinus. Then a Sinus Balloon Catheter is advanced over the Sinus Guidewire.

The sinus Balloon Catheter is positioned across the blocked sinus opening and gently inflated.

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

• Safe and effective

While use of any surgical instrument involves some risk, clinical studies have shown the Balloon Sinuplasty system to be safe and effective in relieving symptoms of sinusitis.

• Minimally invasive

The technology uses small, soft devices that are introduced through the nostrils. These devices gently open blocked sinus openings.

• Reduced bleeding

In many cases, no tissue or bone is removed during surgery using this technology, there may be reduced bleeding. As a result, the need for uncomfortable nasal packing may also be eliminated.

• Fast recovery time

While recovery time varies with each patient, many people can return to normal activity within 24 hours.

• Does not limit treatment options

The Balloon Sinuplasty technology is an endoscopic tool and may be used with other medical therapies or surgical techniques. It does not limit future treatment options if you have progressive disease.