Balloon Sinuplasty
Have you heard the news? Adults and children who suffer from chronic sinus infections don’t need to suffer any longer! There is a cure for recurring sinusitis – and it can be performed quickly and painlessly in the comfort of your ENT doctor’s office. It’s called a balloon sinuplasty.
The FDA first approved balloon sinuplasty technology in 2005. Since then, its use has literally ballooned. So far, more than 500,000 patients have undergone this safe and effective procedure to clear and drain clogged sinuses in adults and children. Dr. Scott W. Franklin at Georgetown ENT in Georgetown, Texas, has been an early advocate and area pioneer of this technology since its introduction.
Because this quick and easy in-office procedure doesn’t involve any cutting of tissue or bone, many are turning to it as the least invasive way to obtain permanent relief from the pain and congestion associated with sinusitis.
If you suffer from chronic sinus infections, you already know that medications and natural remedies don’t always work. And now you have an alternative to going under the knife with sinus surgery: the revolutionary, minimally invasive balloon sinuplasty.
What Is Balloon Sinuplasty?
During balloon sinuplasty, Dr. Franklin inserts a small, flexible balloon catheter through the nostrils and guides it to the blocked sinuses. He gradually inflates the balloon to gently expand the sinus passage, opening it enough to restore the flow of mucus through the sinuses. Last, he washes out the sinuses with a saline solution and removes the catheter. There are no incisions made during the procedure, and nothing remains in the nose afterward.
Dr. Franklin performs balloon sinuplasty in our Georgetown ENT office under local anesthesia. While you are awake during the procedure, you won’t feel any pain – only minimal discomfort – and there is almost no bleeding.
A balloon sinuplasty may be appropriate for adults and children with chronic sinus pain, weather-related sinus pressure, and recurring sinus infections. This convenient procedure has the potential to provide dramatic improvement with minimal risk, minimal discomfort, and a rapid recovery. Patients rave about the relief they get from the procedure. Hear some of their stories.
Take our survey to find out if you may benefit from a balloon sinuplasty or sinus surgery.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Take our survey to find out if you may benefit from a balloon sinuplasty or sinus surgery.
In general, you may be a good candidate for balloon sinuplasty if you suffer from chronic sinusitis or related conditions that have not responded to medications or other conservative treatment methods.
If you have large nasal polyps or a significantly deviated septum, Dr. Franklin may recommend a different type of procedure.
Yes! Clinical research indicates that the procedure provides long-term relief for patients suffering from blocked sinus passageways.
A single balloon sinuplasty is effective for most patients. However, depending on the severity of your sinus problem, the procedure may be repeated if Dr. Franklin deems it necessary.
Yes. In 2005, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved balloon sinuplasty as a safe and effective treatment of symptoms related to chronic sinusitis.
If you have chronic sinus infections that don’t respond well to medication, a balloon sinuplasty offers significant, lasting relief from sinusitis symptoms and it’s a safe and effective alternative to traditional sinus surgery.
The procedure is convenient because it is done right in our ENT office in Georgetown, Texas. There is no need to make arrangements to go to a hospital or surgery center.
And because balloon sinuplasty doesn’t involve surgery – no cutting of bone or tissue – recovery is fast and involves less post-procedural bleeding or need for pain medications. Dr. Franklin uses local anesthesia rather than general anesthesia, which can be problematic for some people due to age, health, fear, or previous reactions to general anesthesia.
Recovery after a balloon sinuplasty is typically fast, although recovery times can vary by individual. In general, most patients returned to work and were able to resume their usual activities within 2 days of the procedure.
Yes, balloon sinuplasty is safe and effective for children as well as adults. You will want to be sure to discuss your particular concerns with an ENT physician experienced in pediatric balloon sinuplasty, like Dr. Scott W. Franklin of Georgetown ENT.
Most major insurance plans (and Medicare) cover balloon sinuplasty. However, you will need to check with your insurance carrier to find out if your plan covers it. You may be responsible for a deductible or co-payment, depending on your plan.
The balloon used in the sinuplasty procedure is made of plastic – there is no latex involved.
There are risks associated with any medical procedure, although these are very rare in the case of balloon sinuplasty. Possible risks include tissue trauma and infection.
After your balloon sinuplasty, you may experience temporary swelling of the nasal passages, tenderness or congestion in the area, and a bloody nasal discharge. However, these side effects resolve within a day or two of the procedure.
Since 2005, more than a half million patients have had a balloon sinuplasty. This is especially significant considering the relatively short period of time that the procedure has been offered since receiving FDA approval.
Video: Balloon Sinuplasty Explained
Watch this brief video about what chronic sinusitis is, and how balloon sinuplasty works to treat it.
If you suffer from the sinus pain and pressure of chronic sinusitis, you may be a good candidate for a balloon sinuplasty. This quick, safe, and effective procedure can be done in the doctor’s office under local anesthesia. Contact Georgetown ENT in Georgetown, Texas, today to find out if a balloon sinuplasty is right for you. Call us at (512) 869-0604 or request an appointment now.
