The Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston
Department of Otorhinolaryngology

Balloon-Catheter Dilatation


Recently, the technology for balloon dilatation of narrow sinus openings and passages has been introduced for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis. In this technique, the surgeon passes a soft, flexible wire into the sinus, and then threads the balloon-tipped catheter (BTC) over the wire. This BTC, which closely resembles similar devices used for blocked heart vessels, is then rapidly inflated to open the sinuses.

Published reports on this technology are few. Thus, the optimal role for BTC in the sinuses is still unclear.

It should be emphasized that balloon catheter dilatation is not appropriate for most patients — this is not a solution for all sinus and nasal conditions!