Balloon Sinus Surgery
Balloon Sinus Surgery |
In 2006, a new minimally invasive technology was developed to drain blocked sinuses called Balloon Sinuplasty (Acclarent). This used balloon technology, similar to balloons used in angioplasty to open blocked arteries in the heart. This Balloon Sinuplasty procedure was performed under general anesthesia in the operating room with fluoroscopy (x-rays) to correctly position the balloon in the blocked sinus. The balloon was then inflated under the x-ray guidance to permanently open the sinuses. Dr. Schaeffer was the first surgeon in New York State to perform this procedure with a colleague from North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset in early 2006. This has now evolved where Dr. Schaeffer and Ephrat are using a light probe avoiding the radiation of x-rays to correctly place the balloon catheter.
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Video Link - Click here to view a video on Sinuplasty
Audio Link - Dr Schaeffer discuses FinESS, a new office drainage procedure on Health Radio interview.
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Max Balloon Sinuplasty Balloon Sinuplasty of maxillary sinus Luma light cable no radiation Endoscopic balloon dilatation minimally invasive sinus surgery Click here to view video |
However, a newer technology is emerging which will complement Balloon Sinuplasty and will be added to the growing armamentarium to treat sinus infections. This new balloon technology will be performed in the office under just a local anesthetic and open the most common sinus that is involved in sinusitis.
November 1, 2008
A new minimally invasive procedure to permanently drain sinuses in the office under local anesthesia is now being offered for select patients
What makes this procedure new and unique is the break through technology of utilizing a 0.5 mm (thickness of a strand of hair) endoscope. This allows the procedure to be performed while awake in the office. This extremely ultra slim scope visualizes the sinuses in order to place a balloon into the blocked sinus. The balloon is inflated to permanently widen narrowed drainage areas. There are only six sites in the country offering this potentially groundbreaking technique. The nearest facility to our office is in Tennessee. This procedure and special equipment has received FDA clearance and candidates for the procedure are being sought.
Those qualified patients have to fit the criteria of a candidate for endoscopic sinus surgery. This means they have tried numerous medications, which have not been beneficial and CT scan of the sinuses demonstrating sinus blockage despite the medical treatments. Those qualified candidates will be enrolled in a study group and receive a small stipend for completing questionnaires. The Entellus Medical Company is the sponsor and will be covering expenses for the procedure.
B. Todd Schaeffer, MD, FACS, an endoscopic surgeon of the nose, sinuses, face and skull base, is the principal investigator and will be offering this new technique in his Lake Success offices. Dr. Schaeffer was the first endoscopic sinus surgeon to perform balloon Sinuplasty in New York State in early 2006.
Further information can be obtained by calling Dr. Schaeffer's office and speaking with Francine Schnabel, Research Coordinator. 516 775 2800.
Audio Link - Radio interview on FinESS and sinusitis
Audio Link - Dr. Schaeffer interviewed on HealthRadio May 11, 2009 RE: FinESS
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FinESS 3
FinESS Maxillary sinus drainage Balloon dilatation of maxillary sinus Narrowed OMC Office procedure local only minimally invasive sinus surgery Click here to view video |
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FinESS Sinus Treatment B. Todd Schaeffer, MD, FACS reviews FinESS, a novel minimally invasive sinus treatment, which is being used as an alternative to more traditional sinus surgery. Click here to view video |
Article Link - Long Island Business News article on Endoscopy in the Head & Neck, March 2009 
