Center for Cancer Care

A new technology for treating chronic sinus inflammation and blockage is now available thanks to Dr. Paul Lomeo, an ear, nose and throat specialist with Shoreline E.N.T. in Muskegon.

Sinusitis is one of the most common chronic health problems in the U.S., afflicting 37 million Americans each year. Those with sinusitis often suffer headaches, congestion, fatigue and other symptoms and the condition significantly impacts their physical, functional, and emotional quality of life.

Through the use of the Balloon Sinuplasty™ system, Dr. Lomeo inserts a small catheter and balloon to quickly open and expand blocked sinuses. 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 drainage and function.

A recent patient of Dr. Lomeo’s, a 41-year-old Ravenna farmer and sportsman, had been taking over-the-counter sinus medications for years for relief of blocked sinuses and lifelong headaches. One of his sinus cavities was completely blocked and had probably been since birth. He had the Balloon Sinuplasty™ with Dr. Lomeo and said “I didn’t even have packing in my nose when I left, just a little mustache bandage in case there was bleeding.”

He explained that the balloon was used to reposition his nasal structures. He says, “The biggest fear is that you may bleed afterward but I had very little bleeding. My face was tender for about two weeks but I’d do it again in a minute. I’m now able to clear my nose and breath easily. I don’t have to take sinus medication any longer and I don’t get those awful headaches.”

Another patient, a 29-year-old 3D artist from Muskegon, who suffered with chronic, severe upper respiratory infections for as long as he could remember, had two previous sinus surgeries that required difficult and painful recoveries. He needed the Balloon Sinuplasty™ procedure to open his nasal passages and allow him to breath through his nose. “It was amazing,” he says. “The recovery time was half of the other procedures. With my condition I’ll probably have to have another procedure in two to five years but this was so much easier than the other surgeries.”

Dr. Paul Lomeo, Shoreline E.N.T.

Dr. Lomeo, the first physician in Michigan to offer this technology says, “Balloon Sinuplasty™ is a true advance in sinus care because, in many cases, it can be done without removing any tissue or bone. That means faster recovery times and less discomfort after the procedure. In fact, many patients have been able to return to normal activities within 24 hours with significant improvement in their symptoms.”

Until recently, sinus patients were limited to two treatment options, medication treatment or surgery. Thanks to Dr. Lomeo, sinus sufferers now have a new and effective option for relief of some chronic sinus problems.

To learn if Balloon Sinuplasty is right for you, call Dr. Lomeo at Shoreline E.N.T. at 231-777-2625.

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Balloon Sinuplasty™

Step 1: Using the Relieva Balloon Sinuplasty™ system, Dr. Lomeo gains access to the sinus with a Sinus Guide Catheter and flexible Sinus guidewire. Then a Sinus Balloon Catheter is advanced over the Sinus Guidewire.

Step 2: The sinus balloon catheter is positioned in the blocked passage and gently inflated.

Step 3: Dr. Lomeo then removes the Relieva system, leaving an open sinus passageway and restoring normal sinus drainage and function.

Balloon Sinuplasty™

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What is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinus lining caused by bacterial, viral or microbial infections; as well as structural issues like blockages of the sinus opening. If the sinus opening is closed, normal mucus drainage may not occur—this condition may lead to infection and inflammation of the sinuses.

There are two main categories of sinusitis: acute and chronic. Sinusitis is usually preceded by a cold, allergy attack or irritation from environmental pollutants. Often, the resulting symptoms, such as nasal pressure, nasal congestion, a “runny nose,” and fever, run their course in a few days.

However, if symptoms persist, a bacterial infection or acute sinusitis may develop. If sinusitis occurs frequently or lasts three months or longer, it may be chronic sinusitis.

Common symptoms may include: facial pain, pressure, congestion or fullness, nasal obstruction or blockage, Discolored nasal discharge, discolored post-nasal discharge, loss of smell, headache and fatigue.

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Images provided courtesy of Acclarent, Inc.

MHP Health Pavilion • 1150 E. Sherman Boulevard Suite 2200 • Muskegon, MI 49444
phone: (231) 672-3469 • fax: (231) 737-4548