July 25, 2008

An estimated 37 million people in the United States are treated yearly for chronic sinusitis. This condition, which results in swelling and closure of the sinuses, can result in headaches, congestion, fatigue and other symptoms.

This year’s flooding in Iowa has left behind water damage and molds. Molds can lead to increased sinus and upper respiratory infections. The allergy season is also ahead. Allergens can further compound existing sinus conditions.

Until recently, sinusitis patients were limited to two treatment options: medical therapy such as antibiotics and topical nasal steroids, or conventional sinus surgery that requires bone and tissue removal in order to open up blocked sinus passageways.

An evolution in endoscopic sinus surgery with the Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology by Acclarent™ makes sinus surgery possible with less pain and a faster recovery.

The procedure is performed at Mercy Medical Center – Des Moines by Dr. Douglas Hoisington and Dr. Timothy Simplot of ENT Clinic of Iowa. Using Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology a small, flexible balloon catheter is placed through a nostril into the blocked sinus passageway.  The balloon is then inflated to gently restructure and open the sinus passageway, restoring normal sinus drainage and function.

ENT Clinic of Iowa surgeons Hoisington and Simplot say this minimally invasive procedure “is a true advance in sinus care because in many cases it can be done without removing any tissue or bone.  That means faster recovery times and less post-procedure discomfort.” Most patients have been able to return to normal activities within 24-hours and have had significant improvement in their symptoms.

The Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology is FDA approved. The international, multi-center study, CLEAR , published in the July 2007 issue of the prestigious journal, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery , confirmed earlier rigorous clinical validation that the Balloon Sinuplasty™ instruments by Acclarent™ are safe and effective for opening blocked sinuses.

Mercy Director of Perioperative Services Carol Hillman says “Mercy is pleased to offer Central Iowans access to this treatment option. Mercy is committed to providing evidence based surgical procedures and technologies that can improve the lives of our patients.

1. The Clinical Evaluation to Confirm Safety and Efficacy of Sinuplasty in the PaRanasal Sinuses (CLEAR) – multi-center, prospective, non-randomized study.

2. Bolger, WE, et el.. Safety and outcomes of balloon catheter sinusotomy: A multicenter 24-week analysis in 115 patients. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (2007) 137, 10-20.

©2006-2007 Acclarent, Inc. All rights reserved. Acclarent and Balloon Sinuplasty are trademarks and CLEAR is a service mark of Acclarent, Inc.