Florida Hospital East Uses Balloon Sinuplasty

Florida Hospital East Orlando Uses Balloon Sinuplasty to Treat Chronic Sinus Infections

Cutting-edge Procedure Similar to Angioplasty Opens Blocked Sinuses to Relieve Pain and Congestion

ORLANDO, Fla., June 12, 2007 - Twenty-one-year-old Karen Lecky has been suffering from recurring headaches, blocked sinuses, facial pressure, and post nasal drip for years. The undesirable symptoms have caused the vocal major, singer and actress to lose her voice and have difficulty performing.  Now, though, the recent Rollins College graduate is undergoing a new treatment called balloon sinuplasty at Florida Hospital East Orlando.  The minimally invasive procedure opens and expands sinus cavities using a small catheter and balloon, much the same way doctors open clogged arteries in the heart when they do balloon angioplasty.  Lecky is hoping the surgery will relieve her symptoms just in time for her upcoming wedding, when she marries her high school sweetheart in July.  Soon after, she plans to study conducting and singing in graduate school.

Sinusitis is one of the most common chronic health problems in the United States, affecting 37 million Americans each year.  Patients suffer headaches, congestion, fatigue and other symptoms.  Until recently, sinusitis patients were limited to two options: medical therapy such as antibiotics and nasal sprays, or conventional sinus surgery that requires bone and tissue removal to open blocked sinuses.

With balloon sinuplasty a small, flexible balloon catheter is placed through a nostril into the blocked sinus passageway.  The balloon is inflated to gently restructure and open the sinus passageway.  The balloon is then deflated and withdrawn, restoring normal sinus drainage and function.  Patients are usually able to return to normal activities within 24 hours.  After sinuplasty, the sinus openings become significantly wider.

For more information, contact Florida Hospital Media Relations at 407-303-8217.

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