KANKAKEE, IL -- (Marketwire) -- 04/30/09 -- Patients now have a new, minimally invasive treatment option for chronic sinusitis. Riverside Medical Center improves Momence healthcare by offering the Balloon Sinuplasty(TM) for relief of chronic sinusitis symptoms. An alternative to medication and traditional surgery, the Balloon Sinuplasty(TM) offers relief with a small catheter and balloon to open up blocked sinuses.

Over 37 million Americans suffer from sinusitis annually. Sinusitis is one of the most common health problems in the country. Patients experience reduced quality of life from sinusitis symptoms such as fatigue, congestion and headaches. Causes of sinusitis include environmental allergies, common colds, dry heat during the colder months or a crooked septum. Mucus and bacteria build up in the sinus passageways causing a sinusitis infection.

In the past, two treatment options existed for sinusitis patients. Medication such as topical nasal steroids and antibiotics were administered but proved to be ineffective for about 25 percent of patients. Physicians typically recommended Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS). FESS involves the removal of tissue and bone to open up blocked sinus passages. More than half a million patients opted to live with sinusitis rather than have surgery.

Balloon Sinuplasty(TM) technology by Acclarent(TM) uses a small, flexible balloon catheter placed through a nostril into the blocked sinus passage. The balloon is gently inflated to open up and restructure the sinus passageway so normal sinus function is restored.

Christopher Lombardo, MD is one of the first physicians in the Bourbonnais area to offer this technology. He says, "The Balloon Sinuplasty(TM) devices by Acclarent(TM) are 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 post-procedure discomfort."

Balloon Sinuplasty(TM) devices by Acclarent(TM) are often inserted without removing any bone or tissue. As a result, patients frequently return to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours. CLEAR, an international study published in July 2007, found a 0 percent adverse event rate after examining the results of the Balloon Sinuplasty(TM) system on 109 patients for 24 weeks.

For further information regarding the world class healthcare offered by Riverside Medical Center and their many locations like Manteno Healthcare, visit www.RiversideMC.net or call (815) 933-1671.

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