Balloon Sinuplasty in Corpus Christi, TX
Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive, endoscopic surgical technique for chronic sinusitis in which a small, flexible balloon catheter is used to dilate obstructed sinus openings without cutting or removing tissue. First FDA-cleared in 2005 and performed in over one million patients worldwide, it has an established safety and efficacy profile and represents an important option for appropriately selected patients who have failed medical therapy.
How It Works
Under endoscopic visualization, a flexible guidewire is advanced into the ostium (natural opening) of the affected sinus. A small balloon catheter is advanced over the guidewire and inflated to a controlled pressure for five to ten seconds, gently fracturing and displacing the thin bony walls of the sinus opening outward. The balloon is then deflated and removed, leaving a permanently widened sinus ostium that restores adequate drainage and ventilation.
Which Sinuses Can Be Treated?
Balloon sinuplasty can be applied to the maxillary, frontal, and sphenoid sinuses. The ethmoid sinuses do not have discrete ostia amenable to balloon dilation and are addressed with conventional FESS techniques when disease is present.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
- Failure of at least 12 weeks of appropriate medical management
- Anatomically obstructed sinus ostia without significant nasal polyp burden or extensive mucosal disease
- Confirmed chronic rhinosinusitis supported by CT imaging
- No significant anatomical variants requiring tissue removal
Patients with significant nasal polyposis, allergic fungal sinusitis, or anatomy requiring concomitant tissue removal are better served by FESS, sometimes combined with balloon dilation in a hybrid approach.
In-Office vs. Operating Room
Balloon sinuplasty can be performed in the office under local anesthesia and oral sedation, or in an outpatient surgical facility under general anesthesia. The in-office approach eliminates general anesthesia, reduces cost, and allows many patients to return to normal activities the same day. Dr. Weiss will determine the appropriate setting based on disease extent, anatomy, and patient comfort.
Recovery
Most patients experience mild nasal congestion, pressure, and bloody nasal discharge for two to five days. The majority return to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours. Nasal saline irrigation is recommended beginning 24 hours post-procedure.
Clinical Evidence
Published prospective studies and randomized trials demonstrate statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in sinus symptom scores, quality of life measures, and CT-documented sinus patency, with durable results at one- to two-year follow-up. Major complications are reported in less than 0.5 percent of procedures.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If sinus problems are affecting your quality of life, balloon sinuplasty may be a minimally invasive solution worth exploring. Call us at (361) 320-6130 or connect with us online to schedule a sinus evaluation.