By Ida Brown / senior staff writer
There's new relief for sinus sufferers.
Each year, 37 million Americans are afflicted with sinusitis, making it one of the most common chronic health problems in the U.S. A clinically proven, minimally invasive technology for treating chronic sinus inflammation is now available at Anderson Regional Medical Center.
The Balloon Sinuplasty system by Acclarent uses a small catheter and balloon to quickly open and expand blocked sinuses.
"A small, flexible balloon catheter is placed through a nostril into the blocked sinus passageway," explained Dr. Robert Cater of the Meridian Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic at Anderson.
"The balloon is then inflated to gently restructure and open the sinus passageway, restoring normal sinus drainage and function."
Cater and Dr. Thomas Balzli, who is also with the clinic, are among the first physicians in this region to offer this technology. According to Cater, the balloon devices are an advance in sinus care.
"In many cases, it can be done without removing any tissue or bone," he said. "That means faster recovery time and less post-procedure discomfort."
Patients with sinusitis often suffer headaches, congestion, fatigue and other symptoms that significantly impacts an individual's physical, functional and emotional quality of life.
Until recently, sinusitis patients were limited to two treatment options: medical therapy such as antibiotics and topical nasal steroids, or conventional sinus surgery such as Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS).
"Medical therapy can help alleviate symptoms for 75 to 80 percent of patients, but is inadequate for the rest of them," said Cater. "For them, sinus surgery is often the best option."
Conventional FESS provides only limited access to the frontal sinuses – located above the eyes. However, Balloon Sinuplasty offers an effective and minimally invasive way to open the frontal sinuses.
In the seven months Cater and Balzli have performed the novel balloon technology, local results have been positive.
"There have been no serious complications reported," Cater said. "Patients usually go home the same day the procedure is performed, and are back up on their feet the next day."
