The principle on which this technique works is same as that of balloon angioplasty. Doctors use a small inflatable device for widening a congested sinus osteum. Narrow channels allow individual sinuses to drain into the nasal cavity. Soft tissue within this opening or channel can swell up when affected by an infection or allergy. This results in narrowing or complete blockage of the passageway. As a result mucus starts collecting within the sinus, and the normally air filled cavity gets filled with fluid. This gives rise to sinus pain and congestion.
catheter and wire are used to gently insert a small uninflected
balloon into the sinus opening through the patient's nostril. Then
the
balloon
is gradually filled with air so as to expand to about 5 mm. This
expansion gently pushes surrounding soft tissue and bones apart.
Hence the opening into the sinus gets dilated.
As
soon as the opening widens the balloon is deflated and gently
removed. The retained mucus is drained and the patient is
relieved of symptoms. This is great news for those who suffer
from sinusitis
