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Mohsen Habib, M.D., F.A.C.S., chief of otolaryngology at New York Methodist Hospital, talks to a patient about the Hospital's new balloon sinuplasty procedure.

According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, every year 37 million Americans are diagnosed with sinusitis, a chronic infection or inflammation of the sinuses. People with sinusitis may experience a range of debilitating symptoms, such as constant nasal congestion, facial pains, headaches, fatigue, and loss of smell. New York Methodist Hospital recently introduced a cutting edge surgical procedure that will improve the lives of countless sinusitis sufferers in Brooklyn and the surrounding area.

NYM's new procedure alleviates the pain of sinusitis by clearing blockages in the sinus openings, allowing the sinuses to drain the bacteria that can cause infections. This new procedure-called balloon sinuplasty-uses a guidewire and catheter to guide a tiny flexible balloon through the sinus cavities to the site of the obstruction. The balloon is gently inflated, which widens the opening of the sinus and clears the blockage. The balloon is then deflated and removed, and normal functioning of the sinuses is restored. Advanced imaging and x-ray techniques are used during the surgery to help position the surgical instruments, increasing the precision of the operation.

"Balloon sinuplasty greatly improves the surgical outcomes for each patient, said Mohsen Habib, M.D., F.A.C.S., chief of the division of otolaryngology at New York Methodist Hospital, who performs the procedure. "Since the procedure is minimally invasive and highly precise, the risk of scarring or bleeding is minimized, so patients can look forward to a short, uncomplicated recovery."

Anthony Tortolani, M.D., chairman of surgery at NYM, added, "New York Methodist Hospital is proud to be one of the few institutions in Brooklyn to offer this advanced surgical procedure. Balloon sinuplasty enables the Hospital to improve the lives of many patients who suffer from sinusitis while dramatically enhancing the surgery process."

People with sinusitis are considered to be candidates for balloon sinuplasty if they've failed to respond to medical treatments such as nasal sprays, antibiotics, or anti-histamines. Since various factors determine if balloon sinuplasty is the right treatment for a patient with sinusitis, it's important to consult with an otolaryngologist who has experience in this procedure. For a referral to an otolaryngologist at New York Methodist Hospital, please call 718 499-CARE.