Sinusitis: A Common Problem

Sinusitis affects 37 million people each year, making it one of the most common health problems in the U.S. It is more prevalent than arthritis and hypertension and has a greater impact on quality of life than diabetes or congestive heart failure. Symptoms may significantly affect people physically, functionally, and emotionally.^{1, 2, 3}

What is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinus lining most commonly caused by bacterial, viral, and/or microbial infections, as well as structural issues such as blockage of the sinus opening. If the opening is closed, normal mucus drainage may not occur. This condition may lead to infection and inflammation of the sinuses.

Symptoms

Common symptoms include the following:

• Facial pain, pressure, congestion or fullness
• Nasal obstruction or blockage
• Discharge of discolored mucus from the nose
• Discolored post-nasal drainage
• Loss of the sense of smell
• Headache
• Fatigue

¹ National Institute of Allergy and Infections Diseases
² National Academy on an Aging Society
³ Benninger, M., Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2003; 129S: S1-S32

What are the Sinuses?

Sinuses are air-filled pockets in the areas surrounding thenose. There are four types of sinuses on either side of the face.

Each sinus has an opening through which mucus drains. Mucus drainage is a normal process that keeps the sinuses healthy.

Types of Sinusitis

Sinusitis is usually preceeded by a cold, allergy attack or irritation from environmental pollutants. Often, the resulting symptoms, such as nasal pressure and congestion run their course in a few days. If symptoms persist, a bacterial infection or acute sinusitis may develop. If the condition occurs frequently or lasts three months or more, it may be chronic sinusitis.

Chronic Sinusitis Treatment

The most frequently used treatments for chronic sinusitis are medical therapies and/or conventional sinus surgery. Medical therapy treatment offers a choice between sprays, antibiotics, steroids, and others, while conventional sinus surgery offers the choice between conventional surgical devices and the novel Balloon Sinuplasty™ system of devices. Talk to your doctor about which treatment option is right for you.

Balloon Sinuplasty™ System:

A Novel, Catheter-Based Device Option

Balloon Sinuplasty™devices represent a new technology in the opening of blocked sinuses, and in many cases, without tissue or bone removal. The FDA-cleared Relieva Balloon Sinuplasty™ rpoducts are used by qualified Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) physicians.

Steps in Using the Balloon Sinuplasty™ Technology

Step 1: Using the Balloon Sinuplasty™ system, your physician gently places a Sinus Guide Catheter and a flexible Sinus Guidewire through the nostrils to access the target sinus. Then a Sinus Balloon Catheter is advanced over the Sinus Guidewire.

Step 2: The Sinus Balloon Catheter is positioned across the blocked sinus opening and gently inflated.

Step 3: The Balloon Sinuplasty™ system is removed, leaving an open sinus passageway and restoring normal sinus drainage and function.

Balloon Sinuplasty™ Technology Benefits

Safe and effective
While use of any surgical instrument involves some risk, clinical studies have shown the Balloon Sinuplasty™ system to be safe and effective in relieving symptoms of sinusitis.

Minimally invasive
The technology uses small, soft, flexible devices that are introduced throught he nostrils. These devices gently open blocked sinus openings.

Reduced bleeding
Because in many cases, no tissue or bone is removed during surgery using this technology, there may be reduced bleeding. As a result, the need for uncomfortable nasal packing may also be eliminated.

Fast recovery time
While recovery time varies with each patient, many people can return to normal activity within 24 hours.

Does not limit treatment options
The Balloon Sinuplasty™ tehcnology is an endoscopic tool and may be used with other medical therapies or surgical technoques. It does not limit future treatment options if you have progressive disease.

*Benefits of clinical studies on file at Acclarent, Inc.

www.balloonsinuplasty.com
1-877-868-NOSE

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