Minimally Invasive Sinus Procedures
There are now several minimally invasive sinus and nasal procedures available to treat chronic sinus infections, constant nasal congestion, and ongoing nasal drainage. At the Ear, Nose & Throat Care Center, our specialists have extensive experience performing these effective procedures to help restore healthy, natural breathing and get your nose working as it should.
Balloon Sinuplasty™
Balloon Sinuplasty is an innovative procedure used by ENT doctors to treat patients with sinusitis. Balloon Sinuplasty relieves the pain and pressure associated with sinusitis
Unlike traditional sinus surgery, Balloon Sinuplasty requires no cutting and no removal of bone or tissue.
Balloon Sinuplasty uses a small balloon catheter to open inflamed sinuses. The balloon catheter is placed into the nose to reach the inflamed sinuses, gradually inflated to restructure the previously blocked nasal passage, and then removed.
In many patients this procedure is proven to restore natural drainage and normal sinus function.
Balloon Sinusplasty is a safe, fast recovery procedure that can be done in-office.
Turbinate Reduction
Turbinates are small structures inside the nose that help humidify and filter the air you breathe. When these tissues become swollen or enlarged, they can cause nasal obstruction, mouth breathing, and snoring.
If medication or allergy treatments don’t reduce the swelling, a turbinate reduction may be recommended. This minimally invasive office procedure is done under local anesthesia and typically takes only 5–10 minutes.
Most patients experience little to no pain and only minor bleeding that resolves the same day. Temporary nasal congestion or crusting can occur for a few weeks after the procedure. Regular nasal saline rinses and antibiotic ointment are advised during recovery to promote healing and maintain clear airways.
Neuromark Ablation Device
Chronic rhinitis is inflammation of the nose that leads to runny nose, nasal congestion, and post-nasal drip. One common cause is overactive nerves in the nasal lining, which trigger inflammation and increased mucus production.
Traditional treatments—like nasal sprays, pills, or allergy shots—aim to reduce symptoms but often require daily use, may be ineffective, and can cause side effects.
Neuromark offers a minimally invasive, low-risk solution with no downtime. The procedure targets overactive nerves at the back of the nose to reduce inflammation, improve nasal airflow, and help you breathe easier.
Propel
The PROPEL sinus stent is used after sinus surgery to support healing and reduce the need for additional procedures. Clinically proven, it targets inflammation, the main cause of chronic sinusitis, to improve recovery and sinus function.
How It Works:
1. Open: After sinus surgery, PROPEL is placed to keep the sinus passage open.
2. Treat: The stent delivers medication directly to reduce inflammation and prevent blockage.
3. Dissolve: As healing progresses, PROPEL dissolves naturally within about 45 days.
Vivaer
What It Is:
VivAer is a minimally invasive, in-office treatment that improves nasal airflow by gently reshaping internal nasal structures using low-temperature radiofrequency. No incisions are needed.
How It Works:
– A small wand is inserted into the nostril under local anesthesia.
– RF energy remodels the nasal valve and soft tissue to open blocked airways.
– Procedure takes about 15–20 minutes with minimal downtime.
Who Can Benefit:
– Adults with chronic nasal obstruction
– Difficulty breathing during sleep, exercise, or daily activities
Benefits:
– Safe, incision-free, preserves external appearance
– Most patients report significant improvement in breathing
– Minimal recovery time
Considerations:
– Suitable for adults 22+; not for extreme anatomy or recent nasal surgery
– Mild risks: bleeding, swelling, temporary numbness
– Insurance coverage varies
LATERA
What It Is:
LATERA is a minimally invasive, absorbable implant that supports the nasal sidewall to improve airflow and reduce nasal obstruction.
How It Works:
– Placed through the lateral nasal wall to stabilize cartilage.
– Made of absorbable material that is replaced by natural tissue over 18–24 months.
– No visible changes to the external nose.
Who It’s For:
Adults with nasal valve collapse or lateral wall weakness causing airflow problems.
Benefits:
– Improves breathing and nasal obstruction symptoms
– Safe, outpatient procedure with minimal downtime
– Preserves natural appearance of the nose
Considerations:
– Mild side effects: bruising, swelling, implant awareness
– Not a replacement for all cartilage graft surgeries
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