NAPLES, Fla. - A clinically proven, minimally invasive procedure for treating chronic sinus inflammation is now available at Medical Surgical Specialists, THE Physicians Regional Medical Group. The Balloon Sinuplasty™ system by Acclarent™ uses a small catheter and balloon to quickly open and expand blocked sinuses. Board Certified Otolaryngologist and Stanford University Fellowship Trained Facial Plastic Surgeon David Greene, MD, FARS is one of the few physicians in Naples and Southwest Florida to offer this technology, in addition to having taught the procedure directly to other colleagues and surgeons.
One of the most common chronic health problems in the U.S., chronic sinus inflammation, or sinusitis, afflicts 37 million Americans each year, accounting for over $8 billion in annual healthcare expenditures. Typically, patients suffer from headaches, congestion, fatigue and other symptoms. This condition significantly affects an individual’s physical, functional and emotional quality of life.
Until recently, sinusitis patients were limited to two treatment options: medical therapy, such as antibiotics and topical nasal steroids, or conventional sinus surgery, such as Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS). Medical therapy can help alleviate symptoms for 75 to 80 percent of patients, but is inadequate for the rest. For them, sinus surgery is often the best option. However, FESS is a conventional surgery that requires bone and tissue removal in order to open up blocked sinus passageways. In lieu of a desired treatment, more than 600,000 patients elect to live with painful sinus conditions.
Now, there is an evolution in endoscopic sinus surgery with the Balloon Sinuplasty technology. Using a technique first pioneered in cardiology, a small, flexible balloon catheter is placed through a nostril into the blocked sinus passageway. The balloon is then inflated to gently restructure and open the sinus passageway, restoring normal sinus drainage and function. For challenging cases, tiny stents are placed on each side, loaded with medication, to keep the sinus passageway open.
Greene, who received his undergraduate degree from Harvard University and medical degree from Yale University, is a faculty member of the Sinus Forum, which provides education and technique to other surgeons on Balloon Sinuplasty. A true advance in sinus care, Balloon Sinuplasty is, in many cases, remarkable as it can be done without removing any tissue or bone. “This means faster recovery times and less post-procedure discomfort for my patients,” Greene states. “In fact, I have seen many of my patients return to normal activities within 24 hours with significant improvement in their symptoms.”
To date, Greene has treated over 300 sinuses using this innovative technology.
Adult sinusitis patients who are considering their options can learn more about the Balloon Sinuplasty technology by attending Dr. Greene’s upcoming noontime lecture scheduled for:
Physicians Regional-Pine Ridge
Physicians Dining Room
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
RSVP: (239) 348-4511
For more information on Dr. Greene, or to schedule an appointment, call (239) 348-4081 or visit www.medical-surgical.org.
Physicians Regional Medical Group
Physicians Regional Medical Group (PRMG), formerly the physicians group of Cleveland Clinic Florida Naples, is owned and operated by Naples-based Health Management Associates (HMA). Representing a team approach to medicine, PRMG is comprised of five convenient Southwest Florida locations, including the new Pebblebrooke location on the corner of 951 and Immokalee Road in Naples. PRMG is currently accepting new patients and is affiliated with a majority of the region's Top Doctors in current practice.
For more information on Physicians Regional Healthcare System, visit www.physiciansregional.com.