Important Safety Information

WHAT IS BALLOON SINUS SURGERY?

Balloon sinus surgery (BSS) may be used during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) or as an alternative. During BSS, the physician uses a small balloon to expand the sinus opening and clear blocked passageways. The procedure is minimally invasive, requires no cutting or removal of bones or tissue, and is often performed in the doctor's office.

During the balloon sinuplasty procedure, your doctor will use a special tool to insert a small balloon into your nose. Once secured in the right spot, your doctor will inflate it to open and drain your blocked sinus pathways. When the passageway is open, the balloon is deflated and removed. Balloon sinus surgery has been shown to improve1,2:

  • Overall sinusitis symptoms
  • Headaches
  • Work/school time missed and frequency of doctor/nurse visits and acute infections

Product image of the Medtronic Compact Fusion ENT Navigation System, which integrates with NuVent for balloon sinus surgery procedures.

An image of the Fusion ENT Navigation System screen during an image-guided balloon sinus surgery procedure using NuVent.

IMAGE-GUIDED BALLOON SINUS DILATION WITH NUVENT

NuVent™ has been designed, tested, and integrated to work with image guidance (IGS) technology called the Fusion Compact™ ENT Navigation System. This displays a visual map of your sinus anatomy for your doctor. It works like GPS in a car or phone — to help guide and place the balloon device.

During the minimally invasive surgery, this navigation technology helps your doctor precisely steer the balloon to the place where your sinuses are blocked. Then your doctor inflates the balloon at the precise location to reshape the tissue and bone to clear the sinus pathway.

The goal of this procedure is to unblock sinus pathways and1,2:

  • Improve symptoms
  • Reduce infections
  • Minimize sinus headaches
  • Help you get back to life's routine

BENEFITS OF IMAGE-GUIDED BALLOON SINUS SURGERY

The image-guidance Fusion Compact™ ENT Navigation System helps your doctor find blocked sinus pathways.

When performed in the doctor's office, this procedure3,4:

  • Is minimally invasive
  • Offers faster recovery time
  • Allows eligible patients to have a lower out-of-pocket cost*

*Out-of-pocket expenses are typically lower for in-office procedures. Office-based and operating room procedures are reimbursed by many insurance companies. Check with your insurance provider to confirm coverage.

FAQ BALLOON SINUS SURGERY

Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about balloon sinus surgery.

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WHAT TO EXPECT

Find out what to expect before, during, and after balloon sinus surgery with NuVent™.

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DO YOU HAVE CHRONIC SINUSITIS?

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1

Chandra RK, Kern RC, Cutler JL, et al. REMODEL larger cohort with longterm outcomes and meta-analysis of standalone balloon dilation studies. Laryngoscope. 2016;126(1):44-50.

2

Marzetti A, Tedaldi M, Passali FM. The role of balloon sinuplasty in the treatment of sinus headache. Otolaryngol Polska. 2014;68:15-19.

3

Silvers SL. Practical techniques in office-based balloon sinus dilation. Operative Techniques Otolaryngol. 2014;25:206-212.

4

Bikhazi N, Light J, Truitt T, Schwartz M, Cutler J, and REMODEL Study Investigators. Standalone balloon dilation versus sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis: A prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial with 1- year follow-up. Am J Rhinol Allergy. 2014;28(4):323-329.