37 Million Americans Afflicted With Sinusitis
(FERGUS FALLS, MN) Lake Region Healthcare ENT physician, Dr. Stephen Asp is the first doctor in this region certified to provide a clinically proven, minimally invasive technology for treating chronic sinus inflammation right in the clinic. The Balloon Sinuplasty™ system by Acclarent™ uses a small catheter and balloon to quickly open and expand blocked sinuses.
Sinusitis is one of the most common chronic health problems in the U.S., afflicting 37 million Americans each year. Patients suffer headaches, congestion, fatigue and other symptoms. This condition significantly impacts an individual’s physical, functional, and emotional quality of life.
Historically, sinusitis patients were limited to two treatment options: medical therapy such as antibiotics and topical nasal steroids, or conventional sinus surgery such as Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS). Medical therapy can help alleviate symptoms as many as 80% of patients but is inadequate for the rest. For them, sinus surgery is often the best option. However, FESS is a conventional surgery that requires bone and tissue removal in order to open up blocked sinus passageways. In lieu of a desired treatment, approximately 900,000 patients each year elect to live with painful sinus conditions.
There is an alternative solution in endoscopic sinus surgery with the Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology by Acclarent. A small, flexible balloon catheter is placed through a nostril into the blocked sinus passageway. The balloon is then inflated to gently restructure and open the sinus passageway, restoring normal sinus drainage and function.
Dr. Stephen Asp is one of the first physicians in this area to offer this technology. He says, “The Balloon Sinuplasty™ devices by Acclarent are a true advance in sinus care because in many cases it can be done without removing any tissue or bone. It can also often be done in the clinic with local anesthesia. That means faster recovery times and less post-procedure discomfort. In fact, many of my patients have been able to return to normal activities within 24 hours and have had significant improvement in their symptoms.”
The international, multi-center study, CLEAR[1] study reported:
- 91.6% functional patency rate at one-year; 70 patients (217 sinuses)[2]
- No serious adverse events at two-years; 65 patients (195 sinuses)[3]
- Symptom improvement for 85% of patients across the two-year-postsurgery period [4]
Sinusitis patients who are considering their options can learn more about the Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology by Acclarent by calling Dr. Asp’s office at 218.739.6840 or online at lrhc.org under the ENT services link or by visiting www.balloonsinuplasty.com.
About Lake Region Healthcare
Lake Region Healthcare is living out its vision to be Minnesota's preeminent regional healthcare partner. With over 70 medical staff and over 850 employees, its team is dedicated to serving its patients and community with integrity, teamwork, compassion and excellence. For more information about Lake Region Healthcare, visit www.lrhc.org.
[1] The CLinical Evaluation to Confirm SAfety and Efficacy in the PaRanasal Sinuses (CLEAR) – multi-center, prospective, non-randomized study.
[2] Kuhn, FA., et al, Balloon Catheter Sinusotomy: One-year follow-up, Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2008; 139, S27-S37.
[3] Weiss, RL., et al, Long-term outcome analysis balloon catheter sinusotomy, Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2008; 139, S38-S46.
[4] As reported by patients using SNOT-20.
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