Saints Breakthrough Treatment
Balloon Sinuplasty helps sinus infection patients breath easier

ENT surgeons from Saints Medical Center are among the first physicians in the area to offer a new minimally invasive technology to treat chronic sinus inflammation. Known as Balloon Sinuplasty™, the procedure uses a small catheter and balloon to quickly open and expand blocked sinuses. 

The procedure involves inserting a small, flexible balloon catheter is through a nostril into the blocked sinus passageway. The balloon is then inflated to gently restructure and open the sinus passageway, restoring normal sinus drainage and function.

Saints Medical Center otolaryngologist Samir Bhatt, MD, of Mass ENT Associates, believes the technology is an advance in sinus care because the procedure can be done without removing any tissue or bone, which means faster recovery times and less post-procedure discomfort. "In fact, many patients have been able to return to normal activities within 24 hours and have had significant improvement in their symptoms."

Sinusitis is one of the most common chronic health problems in the U.S., afflicting 37 million Americans each year. Patients suffer headaches, congestion, fatigue and other symptoms. This condition significantly impacts an individual's physical, functional, and emotional quality of life.

Before the introduction of this new technology, sinusitis sufferers relied on such medical therapies as antibiotics and topical nasal steroids, or conventional sinus surgery. Medications can help alleviate symptoms for 75-80 percent of patients but is inadequate for others for whom surgery is often the best option. However, the conventional surgery requires bone and tissue removal in order to open up blocked sinus passageways. In lieu of a desired treatment, more than 600,000 patients elect to live with painful sinus conditions.

Balloon Sinuplasty technology has undergone rigorous clinical validation and studies have shown treatment using the devices to be safe and effective in relieving symptoms of sinusitis. The latest study, an international, multi-center evaluation, reported 24-week results on 109 patients which demonstrated 98 percent observed open sinus rate   and Clinically and statistically significant patient symptomatic improvement. No adverse events were reported.

Sinusitis patients who are considering their options can learn more about the Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology by contacting Mass ENT Associates at 978-256-5557 or by visiting www.balloonsinuplasty.com.