treatment options
treatment options
The most frequently used treatments for chronic sinusitis are medical
therapies and / or conventional sinus surgery.
medical therapy
Sinusitis is typically treated first with medication. Treatment with antibiotics
or topical nasal steroid sprays is often successful in reducing mucosal
swelling, fighting infection, and relieving obstructions of the sinus
opening (ostium). Inhaling steam or use of saline nasal sprays or drops
can also help relieve sinus discomfort. However, an estimated 20-25% of
patients do not respond adequately to medications.1
conventional sinus surgery
The goals of sinus surgery are to clear blocked sinuses restoring normal
sinus drainage and function and to preserve normal anatomy and mucosal
tissue. Conventional sinus surgery is called Functional Endoscopic Sinus
Surgery (FESS). With FESS, specialized instruments are placed into the
nose along with a small endoscope to help the surgeon see inside the nose
and nasal cavities. The procedure works by removing bone and tissue to
enlarge the sinus opening. The removal of bone and tissue may lead to
post-operative pain, scarring, and bleeding. Uncomfortable nasal packing
may be required to control the bleeding. FESS procedures result in an
80-90% success rate in relieving patient symptoms. 2,3
the balloon sinuplastyTM
technology: novel, endoscopic, catheter-based devices
The technology utilizes a small, flexible, Sinus Balloon Catheter that
is placed into the nose to reach the sinuses. The Sinus Balloon Catheter
is gradually inflated to gently restructure the previously blocked nasal
passage, maintaining the integrity of the sinus lining and restoring normal
sinus drainage and function. There is minimal bleeding, and many patients
have been able to return to normal activities within 24 hours.4
Clinical studies have shown that the Balloon SinuplastyTM
system is a safe and effective tool in relieving symptoms of sinusitis.4
Read more about Balloon SinuplastyTM
technology.
1.
Hamilos, J Allergy Clin Immunol 2000; 106: 213-27
2. Levine and Clemente, Sinus Surgery - Endoscopic and Microscopic Approaches,
Thieme 2005, p. 260
3. Josephson JS, Med Clin of North Amer 75: 1293-1309; 1991
4. Data on file at Acclarent, Inc.