Safety and outcomes of balloon catheter sinusotomy: a multicenter 24-week analysis in 115 patients
William E Bolger1, Christopher L Brown, Christopher A Church
1Maryland Sinus Center, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA. sinusmd@comcast.net
Objective:
The aim of this study was to further evaluate the safety and effectiveness of balloon catheter devices to dilate obstructed sinus ostia/perform sinusotomy.
Methods:
Through a prospective, multicenter evaluation, safety was assessed by rate of adverse events, patency was determined by endoscopic examination, and sinus symptoms were determined by the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT 20).
Results:
At the conclusion of the 24-week analysis, endoscopy determined that the sinusotomy was patent in 80.5% (247 of 307) sinuses and nonpatent in 1.6% (5 of 307), and could not determine ostial patency status in 17.9% (55 of 307). Of the ostia visualized on endoscopy, 98% were patent (247 of 252), while 2% (5 of 252) were considered nonpatent. SNOT 20 scores showed consistent symptomatic improvement over baseline. Revision treatment was required in 3 sinuses (3 of 307 sinuses, 0.98%) in 3 patients (3 of 109 patients, 2.75%).
Conclusion:
Balloon catheter technology appears safe and effective in relieving ostial obstruction. Patients were pleased and indicated that they experienced symptomatic improvement.