ment, he says, typically around $2,000 for ASCs and office-based
facilities.
That doesn't mean there aren't downsides. Dr. Scher notes that bal-
loon sinuplasty can usually only help patients with mild to moderate
chronic sinusitis, and may only be effective in the frontal sinuses. It
also doesn't offer relief for those who suffer from nasal polyps, thick-
er pus or a severe infection, he says. "Office-based balloon sinuplasty
is in its infancy still," says Dr. Scher. "It's not clear if it's going to work
for the majority of the patients or for a selective group."
B reath e ea s ie r w ith E N T n a v igat io n
Many surgeons use ENT navigation only for difficult or severe FESS
(fundamental endoscopic sinus surgery) cases, but Dr. Hopp says that
the ability to have a "map" of anatomical features while restructuring
sinus openings in surgery can help both your docs and patients
breathe easier. "There are different attitudes towards its use," he says.
9 4
O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | A P R I L 2 0 1 5
z A NOSE ROADMAP Image-guided navigation systems let
surgeons use a "map" to find their way during sinus surgery.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN
