Balloon Sinuplasty (In-Office, with IV Sedation)

What Is Balloon Sinuplasty?

Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic sinus problems. It works by gently opening blocked sinus passages so mucus can drain normally and breathing improves.

Unlike traditional sinus surgery, this procedure does not remove tissue or bone—it widens the natural sinus openings.

Why Is It Recommended?

Your doctor may recommend balloon sinuplasty if you have ongoing symptoms such as:

• Chronic sinus infections
• Facial pressure or pain
• Nasal congestion or blockage
• Post-nasal drip
• Reduced sense of smell

It is typically considered when medications (such as nasal sprays or antibiotics) have not provided sufficient relief.

What Does “IV Sedation in the Office” Mean?

This procedure is performed in the office using intravenous (IV) sedation:

• Medication is given through a small IV in your arm
• An anesthesiologist will be monitoring you and adminstering medicine during the procedure
• You will feel relaxed and drowsy
• Many patients remember little or none of the procedure
• You will breathe on your own (this is not general anesthesia)

How Is the Procedure Performed?

• The nose is numbed with local anesthesia
• A small, flexible instrument is placed into the nose
• A balloon catheter is guided into the blocked sinus opening
• The balloon is briefly inflated to widen the sinus pathway
• The balloon is then removed, leaving the sinus open
• No cutting or removal of tissue is required.

Duration: Typically 30–45 minutes, depending on the number of sinuses treated.

What to Expect During the Procedure

• You will be comfortable and drowsy
• You should not feel pain
• You may have little or no memory of the procedure

What to Expect After the Procedure

• You will go home the same day (a driver is required)
• Mild congestion, drainage, or slight bleeding is common for a few days
• Most patients return to normal activities within 1–3 days
• Saline rinses are recommended to aid healing

Benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty with IV Sedation

Many patients experience:

• Greater comfort during the procedure
• Reduced sinus pressure and infections
• Improved nasal breathing
• Faster recovery compared to traditional sinus surgery

Risks

Balloon sinuplasty is generally very safe, but possible risks include:

• Mild bleeding
• Infection (rare)
• Temporary discomfort or pressure
• Sedation-related effects (e.g., nausea, drowsiness)
• Need for additional treatment if symptoms persist

Pre-Procedure Instructions (IV Sedation)

General Instructions

• Wear comfortable clothing (short-sleeved shirt preferred for IV access)
• You must have a driver to and from the procedure
• Your driver must remain in the office during the procedure

Fasting Guidelines

• Afternoon procedure:
  • No food after 9:00 AM
  • Water allowed until 12:00 PM
  • Nothing by mouth after noon
• 7:30 AM procedure:
  • Nothing by mouth after midnight

Before the Procedure

• First 20 minutes: nasal decongestion and numbing
• You may experience temporary throat numbness (can feel like difficulty swallowing or breathing)
• You will meet with the anesthesiologist to start your IV

Procedure Experience

• Lights may be dimmed for comfort
• Music may be played if desired
• After the procedure, you will recover with monitoring until fully awake

Post-Procedure Care

Pain Management

• Take ibuprofen 400 mg starting 4 hours after the procedure
• Repeat every 6 hours as needed (or follow physician instructions)

Expected Symptoms

• Headache
• Nasal congestion
• Pressure
• Mild bleeding

These symptoms may last up to 2 weeks and will gradually improve.

Nasal Care

• First saline rinse: 2 hours after the procedure
• You will be provided with a NeilMed rinse bottle but will need to get extra saline packets and distilled water from your grocery store or pharmacy
• Perform 2–3 rinses on the first day
• Continue rinsing 4–5 times daily until follow-up
• Do NOT blow your nose initially

Additional rinse supplies can be obtained at a pharmacy.

Medications

• Resume oral allergy medications immediately
• Restart nasal sprays on day 2 after the procedure

Bleeding Instructions

• Light bleeding is normal for 3–6 days
• Change gauze as needed (may be 12–24 times in first 24 hours)

If Bleeding Increases (like a constant steady stream):

1. Perform a saline rinse
2. Blow your nose (to remove clots)
3. Use 4 sprays of OTC Afrin in each nostril every 4 hours as needed
4. Pinch the nose closed for 20 minutes

Follow-Up

At your follow-up visit, your physician will:

• Examine your nasal passages with a scope
• Clear any residual drainage
• Ensure proper healing

When to Contact Your Doctor

Call your doctor if you experience:

• Excessive bleeding not controlled with the above steps
• Difficulty breathing
• Persistent bleeding
• Double or blurred vision
• Eye pain
• Difficulty moving or closing the eyes
• Fever above 102°F not responsive to medication

Emergency Room Guidance

• If you need to go to the Emergency Room, please use the following guidelines
• Patients 16 and older: Centennial Medical Center Frisco
• Patients under 16: Children’s Medical Center Plano