Various advancements in minimally invasive techniques have expanded the sinusitis treatment spectrum. For instance, balloon dilation techniques can be used in the ear, nose, throat (ENT) clinic and require local anesthesia only. These effective techniques are safe and comparatively easy to perform. The patients can resume work within a day. Another plus is that Medicare covers these modern techniques. Thus, the patients spend less. 

 

     Sinusitis can be cured safely easily and efficiently with advanced minimally invasive technologies developed by the US-based Entellus Medical.  The company offers FinESS and XprESS tools, in-office technologies for the sinus dilation.

FinESS™ is designed to treat the anterior ethmoid and maxillary sinus diseases. With the system, physicians can manage anatomical difficulties present in the nasal region easily, effectively and safely. FinESS allows remodeling of the anatomy. The system enables visualization and direct access to the sinus. The treatment can be done under local anesthesia in the office. The dilation system shortens the recovery period to up to two days from up to two weeks in case of FESS. During the dilation treatment, the drainage channels are widened for long lasting relief.

The system uses an endoscope to visualize and balloon catheter to dilate the maxillary ostium and ethmoid infundibulum. The simple in-office dilation procedure resolves sinusitis symptoms. The procedure benefits both patients suffering from maxillary disorder and the patients having symptoms of anterior ethmoid and maxillary diseases. The patient can resume work and daily activities within two days. Thus, it is well-tolerated treatment.

XprESS™ Multi-Functional Sinus Dilation Tool, an advanced edition of balloon sinus dilation technology, is used to treat symptoms of the sinuses lying behind the cheeks and above the eyebrows. The tool is thus suitable for frontal, maxillary and sphenoid sinus diseases. Sinusitis can be cured with the new minimally invasive balloon sinus dilation treatment that also prevents recurrence of the disease. The tool is used to perform sinus surgery. It uses a balloon to open the obstructed sinus drainage channels. The tool reduces loss of tissue as compared to that in conventional sinus surgery. However, XprESS has some side effects: allergy to anesthesia and other medicines administered during the operation, swelling, pain and bleeding.

If physician decides to use XprESS for resolving the sinus symptoms, the device is positioned in the affected area. Then, treatment area is dilated before removing the device. The dilation displaces the sinus structures and nearby bone to reshape the sinus outflow tract. This versatile tool performs more than one function, including balloon dilation, confirmation, irrigation, suction and seeker. The tip is malleable, thus can be used in frontal, maxillary or sphenoid sinuses. A variety of balloon configurations enhances precision of treatment and placement. Balloons of different sizes can be used to meet needs of all types of patients.