Balloon Sinuplasty™ is a treatment for sinusitis by enlarging blocked sinus passageways using a flexible balloon catheter that is inflated at the blockage site and then removed, thus allowing normal mucociliary flow. This is a less invasive technique than the conventional method, functional endoscopic sinus surgery, that cuts away sinus tissue. It is claimed that balloon sinuplasty will not cause the scarring, unpredictable and longer healing of functional sinus surgery. Long term results are not yet available.

A sinuplasty is a procedure invented in 2005 to ease sinusitis. According to ABC World News it is a similar operation to those done for clogged arteries where, with general anesthesia, a balloon is inserted into the sinus through the nose. It then inflates and permanently holds the passage open or open wider by fracturing the tiny bones. It does this painlessly and without swelling. The procedure is outpatient and people can return to work/school the next day. This operation is reported by patients to be incredible in alleviating sinusitis.

Surgical procedures | Sinuplastia