What Exactly Is a Balloon Sinuplasty?
- Posted on: Apr 12 2018
There has been a lot of information and advertising about balloon sinuplasty over the last few years. This is very exciting technology as it allows for the successful resolution of many nasal and sinus issues with a non-surgical technique.
On the other hand, if you look a little deeper, there is a big difference between what one physician may be offering versus another.
First off, balloon sinuplasty can only be performed by a Board Certified ENT doctor. There are others offering a “balloon assisted” nasal procedure as part of a chiropractic treatment. This is not balloon sinuplasty.
Balloon sinuplasty is a procedure performed using a high definition nasal endoscope inside the nostril. A specialized sinus balloon is placed in to the natural sinus outflow tract and confirmed to be in the correct location using an LED light or computer navigation. The balloon is then inflated to dilate and expand this natural sinus outflow tract. This makes it go from closed to open enabling the sinus to drain and become healthy. The balloon does not stay in the sinus or the nose. It is removed after the dilation. The dilation stays open without the need for any splint or stent. The results have been very impressive with a 98% success rate long term in resolving sinus issues.
Dr. Slaughter’s Role In The Original Prototype
Dr. Slaughter helped develop the original prototype that he uses for balloon sinuplasty and serves as a national educator for ENT doctors. The innovation has not stopped there. In most offices nation-wide, balloon sinuplasty is done essentially awake with minimal oral sedation. It can be uncomfortable and not well tolerated. The ability to correct any other nasal issues during the balloon sinuplasty procedure is also limited. Should the patient also need a correction of their deviated septum, nasal polyps, swollen turbinates these items are left without resolution and require another procedure under general anesthesia at a hospital.
Dr. Slaughter has developed a unique protocol using IV sedation, in the office, with a board certified anesthesiologist. With this technique, the patient is in deep sedation and they are completely unaware, have no recollection, and they feel no pain during the procedure. Dr. Slaughter can then offer a complete procedure where in addition to the successful balloon sinuplasty all other issues such as a deviated septum can be addressed comfortably and easily as well.
Why Choose Balloon Sinuplasty?
15 minutes is all it usually takes to have this office procedure and patients are back to work in most cases the next day. That includes correcting the septum and any other issues. No packing, no splinting, no gauze in the nose, no bruising. It’s the 2018 version of sinus and nasal treatment and it sets the standard for how this procedure should be performed.
Watch some of Dr. Slaughter’s video to find out more information about balloon sinuplasty and to find out if you are a good candidate.
Schedule A Consultation
If you have considered balloon sinuplasty know that the most advanced form of balloon sinuplasty is available right here in Austin with Dr. Slaughter. Call (512) 601-0303 to schedule a consultation with Sinus & Snoring Specialists in Austin, TX.
Posted in: Balloon Sinuplasty, Sinus and Nasal
