St. Francis Is First Hospital in Nassau County to Use New, Minimally Invasive Device to Give Relief to Sinusitis Sufferers
ROSLYN, N.Y., June 27, 2007 – Tracy Naviasky has been suffering from sinusitis since she was 7 years old. This year she was on antibiotics every three weeks, missed school and had chronic headaches. After discussing treatment options with Dr. Philip Perlman, Chief of Otolaryngology at St. Francis Hospital, Tracy decided on a new, minimally invasive technology called balloon sinuplasty. The 18 year old from Roslyn is now free from headaches caused by her sinus disease.
“My headache went away that very same day, “ said Tracy, a soon to be college freshman. “I realized this is what it feels like to finally be able to breathe and not suffer from pain.”
Sinus surgeons at St. Francis Hospital have performed many balloon sinuplasties, making the hospital the first in Nassau County to use this new technology. Thousands of patients have been treated safely and successfully throughout the country. The technology involves a small, flexible balloon catheter, which 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 with minimal tissue damage.
Dr. Perlman stresses that balloon sinuplasty is not a cure all for everyone suffering from sinusitis, but can be used as an alternative or in addition to already well established endoscopic sinus surgery. The catheter-based technology is designed to navigate through the tortuous sinus anatomy, particularly the frontal and sphenoid sinuses, which are the most difficult to reach.
“What took us an hour to gain access to these sinuses can now be done in considerable less time,” said Dr. Perlman. “The recuperation is minimal with very little discomfort for patients.”
According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, about 37 million people in the U.S. suffer from sinusitis each year. Common symptoms may include: facial pain, pressure or congestion; nasal obstruction or blockage; discolored nasal or post-nasal discharge; loss of smell; headache and fatigue.
Dr. Perlman says not all sinusitis sufferers are candidates for the new technology and whether they qualify should be decided by a sinus surgeon familiar with this technique. As for Tracy, who has aspirations of being a veterinarian, she’s looking forward to not getting sick and missing classes when she begins college. Her mother Jill can’t say enough about the benefits of balloon sinuplasty, “I’m thrilled. She’s not upset, miserable or in pain. It’s made her come alive.”
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About St. Francis Hospital
St. Francis Hospital, The Heart Center is New York State’s only specialty designated cardiac center and is the busiest heart center in the Northeast. A recognized leader in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cardiac disease, St. Francis Hospital performs more cardiac surgery and interventional cardiac procedures than any other hospital in New York State. A leader in cardiovascular care for more than 50 years, St. Francis Hospital is a member of Catholic Health Services of Long Island (CHSLI). Contact us at 1.888.HEART.NY or visit us at www.stfrancisheartcenter.com.
Contact:
Paul Barry, 516-705-6657, paul.barry@chsli.org
Rosemary Gomez, 516- 705-6656, rosemary.gomez@chsli.org
