How Does Ballon Sinuplasty Work?

Step 1.

A balloon catheter is inserted into the inflamed sinus.

Step 2.

The balloon is inflated to expand the sinus openings.

Step 3.

Solution is sprayed into the infected sinus.

Step 4.

The system is removed, leaving the sinuses open.

What are the Benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty?

Balloon Sinuplasty surgery is a more advanced form of the original sinuplasty procedure. Instead of removing significant portions of sinus tissues, this method employs a tiny balloon that is placed by the blocked sinuses and slowly inflated. As the balloon inflates, it compacts the walls of your sinuses and widens the passage, which is then flushed with a saline solution. In general, this procedure takes far less time than a traditional sinuplasty surgery and recovery time is drastically reduced.

In addition to the reduced recovery time required by balloon sinuplasty, there are several other benefits as well. The process is typically less expensive than traditional procedures, there are fewer risks involved since there is less cutting, and the overall discomfort experienced by the patient is minimized. This procedure can be done as an outpatient service in less than an hour, and the need for gauze packing is eliminated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Honrubia Technique?

The Honrubia Balloon Sinuplasty Technique™ is a revolutionary treatment that is an effective, minimally invasive technique performed under anesthesia for treating chronic sinusitis that involves minimal tissue removal and less pain, allowing patients a quicker recovery than traditional sinus surgery. The surgeons at American Sinus Institute all recommend the Honrubia Technique™ for Balloon Sinuplasty surgery over traditional sinus surgery methods.

The Honrubia Technique™ is based on placing the comfort and safety of the patient first. With the Honrubia Technique™, Balloon Sinuplasty surgery is done under anesthesia, ensuring the patients have a relaxing, positive experience, and is much more effective than traditional local anesthetic. Here at AmericanSinus Institute, A Board Certified Anesthesia provider administers intravenous medications to keep patients sedated during the procedure. They remain at the bedside throughout the case, continuously monitoring and maintaining the safety and comfort of the patient. This allows the physician to do a more complete procedure including a septoplasty and polyp removal if needed.

The Honrubia Technique™ also uses exclusively, Johnson &Johnson Balloon Sinuplasty System of products. Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiary Acclarent, are the leaders in Balloon Sinuplasty research and product development.

What is the recovery time for balloon sinuplasty?

Since balloon sinuplasty uses a tiny balloon to remodel your natural sinus openings rather than a scalpel, the typical recovery is much faster than a traditional sinuplasty. While we recommend taking it easy for the first couple of days as you may have some swelling and drainage of your sinuses, you typically are able to return to work/school after 24 hours. The decision will ultimately depend on how you feel after the procedure is complete.

Does balloon sinuplasty hurt?

Balloon sinuplasty is a safe and effective procedure for dealing with sinusitis in patients of all ages. For the most part, there is minimal pain following the procedures and little need for pain medications. Most patients can leave our office and return to work within one-two days after any residual swelling and drainage goes away. After the sinuses are healed, patients continue to report positive results even several years after their procedure.

How much does balloon sinuplasty cost?

In the state of Texas, balloon sinuplasty is covered by most major insurances. If you do not have an insurance plan that will cover the cost, American Sinus Institute will work with you on payment plan arrangements.This ensures that all patients can get treatment today and start feeling better sooner rather than later.

Is balloon sinuplasty covered by insurance?

The procedure is covered by most major insurance carriers, however many plans have specific requirements that must be met prior to authorizing the procedure. The staff at American Sinus Institute will work with you at your appointment to help you understand these requirements and make sure an authorization is obtained prior to performing the procedure.

Most insurance providers already recognize the effectiveness and importance of this treatment for patients, so your procedure could be covered as long as all requirements have been satisfied. Your sinus specialists at the American Sinus Institute will work with you to track down insurance information and submit paperwork and medical records for pre-approval if necessary. We are also happy to discuss payment options if your insurance will not cover the procedure.

The best way to know if your policy covers balloon sinuplasty is to call your insurance provider and ask. Either they will tell you that it is a covered and billable service, or they will tell you that it is not covered and is an investigational procedure. If it is a covered and billable service, you will be able to proceed with the Balloon Sinuplasty. Once determination is made, we will move forward by having your doctor submit a pre-authorization to begin the prior approval. If the pre-authorization is declined, you and your doctor can submit an appeal to have the decision overturned. The American Sinus staff will work with you to let you know the status of all authorizations, whether approved or not, and will keep you up to date with all decisions made.

I have a deviated septum, is balloon sinuplasty right for me?

After examination, our care team will be able to help decide if balloon sinuplasty or a septoplasty is the right procedure for you. Septoplasty is a procedure to straighten the bone and cartilage dividing the space between your two nostrils (nasal septum). When the septum is crooked, it is known as a deviated septum. A deviated septum makes it harder to breathe through the nose and may elevate sinus problems due to poor drainage and ventilation. During septoplasty, your nasal septum is repositioned to the middle of your nose. A crooked septum is common. However, when it's severe, a deviated septum can block one side of your nose and reduce airflow, causing difficulty breathing through one or both sides of your nose. Septoplasty straightens the nasal septum by trimming, repositioning and replacing cartilage, bone or both. Once a septoplasty is healed, you'll likely find it's easier to breathe.

I have turbinate hypertrophy, is balloon sinuplasty right for me?

If you have been diagnosed with turbinate hypertrophy, and medical treatment has failed to relieve your symptoms, you may be a candidate for a turbinate reduction. This is a surgical procedure designed to reduce the size of your turbinates, structures attached to the sidewalls of the nasal cavities. The goal of turbinate reduction surgery is to reduce the size of the turbinate while preserving the lining, resulting in a more open airway, enabling patients to breathe better through the nose. Turbinates cannot be removed completely because they warm and humidify inhaled air. Without turbinates, the nose would become very dry and crusty. Outfracture, coblation, and radiofrequency reduction are techniques that reduce the turbinates. Specialized instruments are utilized that allow preservation of the lining of the turbinate. As the turbinate heals, it will be reduced in size, compared to before surgery. We will help you determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure. If so, the procedure will be scheduled in the office at your convenience.

Relieve Sinus Pain And Pressure To Start Breathing Again

September 19, 2023

What is Balloon Sinuplasty?

How Does Ballon Sinuplasty Work?

Step 1.

Step 2.

Step 3.

Step 4.

What are the Benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty?

Frequently Asked Questions

Balloon Sinuplasty
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San Antonio Office

Relieve Sinus Pain And Pressure To Start Breathing Again

September 19, 2023

What is Balloon Sinuplasty?

How Does Ballon Sinuplasty Work?

Step 1.

Step 2.

Step 3.

Step 4.

What are the Benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty?

Frequently Asked Questions

Balloon SinuplastyReviews

Ready tolearn more?

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