Vim & Vigor - Fall 2011 - Gwinnett Medical Center - (Page 5)

How Balloon Sinuplasty Works and opens the passageway, restoring normal sinus drainage and function.” Created by a cardiologist who had sinus issues, balloon sinuplasty is quickly becoming the ﬁ rst choice for minimally invasive sinus surgery. “It’s similar in concept to balloon angioplasty [for opening blocked blood vessels],” adds David Dillard, M.D., FAAO-HNS, a physician afﬁ liated with GMC. “In many cases it can be done without removing any tissue or bone. That means faster recovery times and less post-procedure discomfort. With balloon sinuplasty, we can easily reach even the sinus cavities above the eyes.” 1 What Is Sinusitis? Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinus lining caused by bacterial, viral or microbial infections, as well as structural issues such as blockages of the sinus opening. If the sinus opening is closed, normal mucus drainage may not occur, which could lead to infection and inflammation. Common symptoms of sinusitis include: A small, flexible balloon catheter and guide wire are inserted through the nostril to access the target sinus. 2 • Facial pain or pressure • Nasal congestion • Difficulty breathing through the nose • Discharge of yellow or green mucus from the nose Teeth pain • • Lost sense of smell or taste • Headache • Fatigue • Sore throat • Bad breath LESS PAIN, SHORTER RECOVERY Because balloon sinuplasty is less invasive than traditional sinus surgery, patients generally experience less pain, a shorter recovery and better long-term results. There’s even a way to release medication directly into the sinuses if it’s needed. “It’s great to have this new technology that helps so many sinusitis sufferers,” says GMC physician Don Browning, M.D. “My patients love that it’s so much easier on them, and provides relief without the trauma of traditional surgery.” So, sinus sufferers, breathe easy. With the help of the minimally invasive balloon sinuplasty surgery, you can enjoy spring and fall once again. Once positioned in the blocked sinus passageway, a balloon is gently inflated to open the blocked sinus. 3 After the balloon is deflated and removed, the sinus is irrigated. the past, to get that sinus cavity open, surgery often involved painful tissue or bone removal and as much as 36 inches of packed gauze in each nostril.” ONLINE NEW OPTION QUICKLY GAINS FAVOR Today, there’s a much easier option. Relieva balloon sinuplasty technology is a minimally invasive treatment offered by Gwinnett Medical Center. “With balloon sinuplasty,” says GMC’s Myron B. Jones, M.D., “a small, ﬂexible balloon catheter is passed through the nostril into the blocked sinus passageway. When the balloon is inﬂated, it gently restructures For more information on balloon sinuplasty, visit gwinnett medicalcenter.org/sinus. Or for a physician referral, call 678-312-5000. Find Out If Balloon Sinuplasty Is Right for You 4 Normal sinus drainage and function are restored. Vim & Vigor · FAL L 2011 5 http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/sinus http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/sinus

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Fall 2011 - Gwinnett Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2011 - Gwinnett Medical Center
Contents
Phil's Feature
So Long, Suffering
The Will to Recover
Healthy Hues
The New Survivors
First (Aid) Things First
Find Your Groove
A Healthy Tune
Stay in Circulation
‘X’ Marks the Spot
Pregnancy Predictors
Play It Safe
Prime Time Health
Full Strength
Lifesaving Gift
Out of the White Coat
Transforming Healthcare

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2011 - Gwinnett Medical Center