What is Balloon Sinuplasty?
For many years, people that suffered from the lasting effects of chronic sinusitis had two options for treatment: medication or surgery. While decongestants reduce swelling and nasal steroids help inflammation,…
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Sinus, Nasal and Eustachian Tube Surgery
Do you suffer from chronic sinus and nasal and ear problems?
Blocked ears and sinuses can cause a host of issues beyond muffled hearing and trouble breathing. People that suffer from chronic nasal problems often have recurrent infections, a blocked nose, nasal discharge or congestion, headaches, facial pain, trouble smelling and tasting food, a persistent cough, and fatigue. Blocked ears from Eustachian tube dysfunction can cause pain and pressure in the ears and ear popping and crackling.
These problems can affect quality of life. Fortunately, there is relief!
If you deal with recurring blocked ears or nasal troubles, Dr. Rotenberg can help you understand the underlying issues and in many cases provide relief for persistent symptoms. Dr. Rotenberg is one of the few surgeons in Canada with expertise in balloon sinuplasty, balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube, and ClariFix. These minimally invasive procedures offer short wait times, high success rates, quick recovery and most importantly, evidence based solutions for individuals that have exhausted other options.
Balloon Sinuplasty & ClariFix
Many people have experienced the discomfort of congested sinuses or nasal discharge. Sinusitis occurs when the sinuses become swollen and the opening is blocked. This prevents mucus from draining and can lead to infection and inflammation. Nasal discharge can happen from a wide variety of causes. People that suffer with chronic sinusitis or nasal discharge can have a great deal of chronic pain or infection that can significantly affect quality of life, and these problems don’t always respond to medical therapy. Many people can get lasting relief from this problem with a procedure called balloon sinuplasty, or ClariFix.
Dr. Rotenberg is a fellowship trained and experienced sinus specialist and can help you determine if the balloon sinuplasty or ClariFix are right for you. These minimally invasive procedures expand sinus openings by inserting a tiny balloon and gradually inflating it, or reduce nasal secretions by freezing the affected tissue lining. This gently restructures and widens the opening without requiring the removal of any tissue, which in turn helps to restore normal sinus functioning, and reduces nasal discharge considerably.
The recovery time for these procedures is minimal and patients can experience effective and lasting results.
Eustachian Tube Dilation
The Eustachian tube is the small conduit that runs between the nose and the middle ear. Its purpose is to provide ventilation for the middle ear, protect it from infection and disease and also to help drain any discharge. These tubes also regulate the air pressure in the ears. Though typically closed, the tubes briefly open when you swallow, yawn or chew to allow air in and equalize the pressure.
These tiny tubes can become blocked for a number of reasons. When this happens, it causes pain, hearing difficulties, and a feeling of fullness in the ears. It is called Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) and it is caused by the valve failing to open and/or close properly. ETD affects approximately 5% of the adult population. Pain in the ears can happen when flying, or driving on hills, or even during regular activities.
Severe or persistent cases of ETD may benefit from an intervention such as Eustachian tube dilation. Dr. Rotenberg can assist patients by inserting a small balloon through the nose and into the Eustachian tube. The balloon is then gently inflated which opens the pathway for mucus and air to flow more easily. Once the tube is expanded, the balloon is deflated and removed.
This process requires a general anesthesia but patients can go home the same day and return to normal activities.
Helpful Articles
What is Balloon Dilation of the Eustachian Tube?
The Eustachian tube runs between the middle ear and the sinuses and controls the pressure within the middle ear, equalizing it with the air pressure outside of the body. It…
What Can I Expect During the Balloon Sinuplasty Process?
Before your balloon sinuplasty procedure, Dr. Rotenberg will perform a complete examination to ensure you don’t have any conditions that would prevent the success of the procedure. You will also need a…
