When the sinuses become inflamed and filled with fluid, your nose becomes a breeding ground for germs which can lead to infection. There are several reasons that the sinuses can become blocked, such as viruses, allergies, nasal polyps, or a deviated septum. Sinusitis is a condition that causes nasal congestion, facial pain and pressure, loss of smell and taste, discolored nasal drainage, postnasal drip, cough, and frequent headaches.

What is Balloon Sinuplasty?

Balloon sinuplasty is typically recommended for patients who suffer from chronic sinus infections, when other treatments have been ineffective. Balloon sinuplasty is a procedure used by rhinologists to clear blocked sinuses. It is performed in-office with local or general anesthesia. The surgeon uses an endoscope as well as a thin, flexible balloon catheter that goes into the sinus canal. The balloon is then inflated to expand the sinus cavity. The sinuses are flushed out, removing any built-up mucus to clear the passages and relieve pressure. The balloon also restructures the tiny bones in the nasal cavity. The balloon is removed and the sinuses are clear and free from pressure.

What is the Origin of Balloon Sinuplasty?

Joshua Makower is an inventor of medical technologies, including a device to help control incontinence, and catheters that bypass blocked arteries in the legs. As a sufferer of sinusitis, he had tried many treatments for his condition, with little relief. He asked his doctor about surgery, but found he was not a good candidate since his sinus infections weren’t severe enough to warrant sinus surgery. While studying dozens of computerized scans of sinuses, he noticed the similarities between the sinus cavities and arteries. He wondered if the same techniques used in cardiac angioplasty could work for sinus infections. Along with catheter engineer John Chang, the duo set out experimenting on cadavers to test their prototypes. The two inventors were able to create a flexible catheter tube that goes into the nostrils which is then guided by a wire into the sinuses. Then a balloon catheter is inserted past the guide wire and inflated in order to move the bones of the passageways. This allows the sinuses to open up, allowing air and mucus to flow. The balloon sinuplasty was granted FDA approval in April 2005.

Why Dr. Kuperan?

In-office balloon sinuplasty at Houston Advanced Nose & Sinus is a truly unique experience. Dr. Kuperan, one of the few fellowship certified sinus experts in all of Texas, performs every procedure using the latest technology at our state-of-the-art facility. The procedure is done under sedation with an anesthesiologist by your side so you don’t feel any pain. We offer first-class post procedure recovery suites so you can wake up peacefully refreshed and get back to your day quickly and efficiently.