New Non-Surgical Procedure Treats Chronic Sinus

MIAMI (CBS4)- A new procedure could bring relief to the 1.4 million people treated for chronic sinus problems each year.

It's an in-office procedure that's quick and non-surgical.  A tiny balloon device is actually inserted into a patient's nose and inflated so the patient can breathe again.

Patient Alex Arevalo had the procedure done.

"I've suffered from sinus problems for a few years now so I'm giving it a try," he said.

Arevalo said the headaches, pressure and stuffed up nose were just too much to handle.

Dr. William Brown who practices the procedure said, "for the patient, it's a pretty easy process."

Arevalo is a perfect candidate for balloon sinuplasty," Brown said.

It starts with a little numbing spray and a few shots inside the nose to make sure the patient doesn't feel anything.

After the numbing the doctor uses a camera that is inserted in the nose and watches to make sure the device is put in the right place.  Once in place the balloon is inserted and the very small bones inside the nose are slightly fractured.

It's inflated in four different locations.  After less than 30 minutes the procedure is complete.

Ten seconds after the surgery Arevalo said, "I feel good. There was a little discomfort but nothing out of the ordinary."

He also said he could immediately breath thirty to forty percent better.

Brown said that number will only improve over the next four to six weeks.

For more information on sinuplasty, visit www.balloonsinuplasty.com.