Balloon Sinusplasty Helps Chronic Sinusitis

More than 37 million Americans suffer from sinusitis, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars every year on over the counter medication. Now, an area hospital is performing a procedure that may be a breath of fresh air for some patients.

To singer and actress Karen Lecky, her voice is gold.

“My body and my voice is what's going to make me money in the future," she said.

That's why she doesn't want to live with sinus problems.

"I constantly feel like I have to pop my ears or blow my nose. It always feels stuffy," Lecky said.

It's more than just an irritation. She loses her voice three times a year.

"I was on antibiotics for months and months at a time. Nothing was working. I had been on nose sprays and antibiotics constantly,” Lecky said.

That's why she jumped at the chance to have balloon sinuplasty.

"It’s basically a tool that allows us to access the sinus, a dilator opens the windows or ostea, that were closed either by infection or bacteria, anatomical problems,” said Dr. Michael Bibliowicz, otolaryngologist.

A guide wire is inserted into the sinus cavity where the window is obstructed.

“Then a balloon is inserted through the cavity wire and it's inflated to dilate the window in the same manner than an angioplasty is done,” Bibliowicz said.

This allows doctors to do the procedure without removing tissue, which means a quick recovery.

Balloon sinuplasty is not for everyone with sinusitis. Patients with nasal polyps will still need to undergo regular surgery.
source:www.cfnews13.com