Using a balloon catheter to open up blocked arteries in the heart to help blood flow to the heart is a very common medical procedure. This technology has been brought to the nose and sinuses.
A small deflated balloon is placed in the ventilation hole of the affected sinus. The balloon is then inflated to open up the ventilation passage. The balloon is then deflated and removed.
Patients usually report improvement of their symptoms after this procedure. There is evidence that balloon dilation of the frontal and maxillary sinuses also helps resolve problems in the ethmoid sinuses. This procedure usually has a short recovery.
