Florida Hospital Celebration Health (see more articles like this)

A new, minimally invasive technology for treating chronic sinus inflammation is now available at Florida Hospital Celebration Health.  The Balloon Sinuplasty™ system uses a small catheter and balloon to quickly open and expand blocked sinuses. 

Sinusitis is one of the most common chronic health problems in the United States 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.

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 75-80 percent of patients but is inadequate for the rest.  For them, sinus surgery is often the best option. However, FESS is a conventional surgery that 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.

Now, there is an evolution in endoscopic sinus surgery with the Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology.  A small, flexible balloon catheter is placed 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. 

Dr. Omar Fadhli is one of the first physicians in this area to offer the technology.  He said, “The Balloon Sinuplasty™ devices are a true advance in sinus care because in many cases it can be done without removing any tissue or bone.  That means faster recovery times and less post-procedure discomfort.  In fact, many of my patients have been able to return to normal activities within 24 hours and have had significant improvement in their symptoms.”

Wendy Earley, a busy Kissimmee event planner, had the procedure in April after suffering from recurring sinus infections for nine months.  “The sinuplasty procedure has allowed me to breathe better and has relieved the post-nasal drip and constant sinus pressure that I was experiencing,” Earley said.