Nasal and Sinus Problems

Nasal and Sinus Problems

Click on the links below to find out more about each of the terms.

• Nose Bleeds
• Smell Disorders
• Sinusitis

The Butterfly Graft

The "Butterfly Graft" is a functional nasal procedure. Our doctors teach the procedure to other nasal surgeons locally, regionally, and nationally. He has performed more of these procedures than anyone in this part of the country.

The simplest way to describe the procedure is as an internal "Breathe-Right" strip. The graft is taken from the ear but doesn't change the shape of the ear appreciably. It is usually intended that the graft not change the appearance of the nose, but it can be performed along with procedures that improve the aesthetic appearance of the nose (rhinoplasty).

The procedure is usually done under general anesthesia and takes about an hour to an hour and a half. All patients go home the same day, then return to the office the following morning to have the ear dressing removed. Most patients require very little pain medicine-the average patient takes between one and three "pain pills". Most patients experience some congestion for about a week to ten days because the swelling is primarily confined to the inside of the nose. Patients typically return to work on Monday (following surgery on Thursday).

Sinus Surgery with Balloon Sinuplasty

Unlike traditional sinus surgery, Balloon Sinuplasty requires no cutting and no removal of bone and tissue. Balloon Sinuplasty (BSP) uses a small, flexible, balloon catheter to open up blocked sinus passageways and facilitate drainage of the mucus that builds up in patients suffering from chronic sinusitis symptoms.

• Step 1: A balloon catheter is inserted into the inflamed sinus.

  

• Step 2: The balloon is inflated to expand the sinus opening.

  

• Step 3: Saline is sprayed into the inflamed sinus to flush out the pus and mucus.

  

• Step 4: The system is removed, leaving the sinuses open.

  

When the sinus balloon is inflated, it restructures and widens the walls of the sinus passageway while maintaining the integrity of the sinus lining. Published clinical data in the leading ENT journals shows that it is safe and effective: patients experienced no device-related adverse events and demonstrated statistically and clinically significant improvement in their sinusitis symptoms.