A balloon catheter device is being used by head and neck surgeons at the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital as a minimally-invasive treatment for chronic sinusitis in order to clear blocked sinus passageways.

The procedure - balloon sinuplasty - is being performed by otolaryngologists at Jefferson wherein a balloon-tipped catheter, threaded over a guidewire and inserted through the nose and into the sinus cavity - a process designed to open up sinus drainage pathways.

According to Marc Rosen, M.D., assistant professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University:

"It's similar to angioplasty, the procedure heart surgeons use to clear out clogged coronary arteries. When the sinus balloon is inflated, it gently restructures and widens the walls of the passageway while maintaining the integrity of the sinus lining."

An inflammation or infection of the air-filled cavities that surround the nose and eyes, sinusitis usually clears up within weeks with the help of antibiotics, decongestants or steroid-containing nasal sprays.

However, a quarter of those with chronic condition does not respond to those treatments and would usually need surgery to treat their condition.

Balloon sinuplasty is not only minimally invasive but since no tissue or bone is removed in the process, bleeding and its complications is greatly reduced.

Together with Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS), the balloon device is inflated, stretching the sinus opening back to its original size or a little bigger, enabling drainage of the sinus. Thus, stopping the sinusitis cycle and later on the balloon will be deflated and removed.

Find more details from the full report.