By Marc Kerner, MD, FACS
Balloon sinuplasty offers sinus sufferers a rapid, painless procedure for correction of chronic sinus blockage that does not improve with medical therapy.
Balloon sinuplasty, a revolutionary new technique to relieve sinus obstruction was described on CBS Network News featuring local surgeon Dr Marc Kerner. Dr. Marc Kerner, an Otolaryngologist-Facial Plastic Surgeon in Northridge and Westlake Village describes the procedure in detail. Balloon SinuplastyTM technology extends the sinus surgery evolution by offering the surgeon additional tools for endoscopic surgery. The Relieva Balloon SinuplastyTM products are catheter-based devices designed to open the ostia to the sinuses in a minimally destructive manner. This results in clearing blocked sinuses, restoring normal sinus drainage and function, and preserving normal anatomy and mucosal tissue. The opening attained by the Balloon SinuplastyTM system is durable and achieves the goals of sinus surgery. Post-procedure, the size of the dilated opening is approximately that of the nominal diameter of the selected Sinus Balloon Catheter (from 3mm to 7mm).
According to Dr Marc Kerner, “Balloon sinuplasty offers us another technique to provide minimally invasive surgery for patients suffering from sinus blockages.” The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and allows patients a rapid recovery. Patient Gloria Ward is so excited about the results, ” I am now able to breathe easily through my nose, my headaches are gone and hopefully I will be done with recurrent sinus infections.”
The technology for this procedure was adopted from angioplasty in which small balloon catheters are threaded into either a blood vessel as in angioplasty, or into the small sinus openings, dilating them and preventing them from blockage that occurs with infections.
The Balloon SinuplastyTM devices are effective endoscopic tools and may be used with other medical therapies or endoscopic surgical techniques. In a patient, the Balloon SinuplastyTM products can be used on several sinuses. Additionally, using these devices do not limit future treatment options for patients with progressive disease.
Each patient suffering from sinusitis is different. Only after thorough examinations and discussions between the patient and Dr. Kerner can it be determined whether you may benefit from the Balloon SinuplastyTM system. For more information please visit www.marckernermd.com or call 818-349-0600.