Balloon Dilatation of the Maxillary, Frontal, and Sphenoid Sinuses

Abstract

Abstract Balloon sinus dilation is a tool of widespread use in the surgical management of chronic rhinosinusitis. Balloon dilation of a sinus may be done with or without concurrent dissection of inflamed sinus mucosa and bone. However, only the maxillary, frontal, and sphenoid sinuses are amenable to this technique. A thorough preoperative evaluation is necessary including special attention to anatomic variants that may make the use of the balloon dilation catheter more difficult. Of particular importance is the degree of ethmoid inflammation present as this cannot be directly addressed with any isolated balloon procedure. Various balloon devices are available, but the technology mainly relies on the illumination of the sinus with a light versus tracking of the balloon catheter tip under stereotactic image guidance. Upon introduction of the guide catheter, the balloon can be inflated to open the sinus outflow tract. Normal postoperative care should be considered, including management of the underlying chronic inflammatory disease.