The balloon dilating catheter as an instrument in sinus surgery.

The use of the balloon dilating catheter has been a divisive topic in the rhinology community. This commentary addresses shortcomings that are commonly remarked upon by opponents of this technology and reviews the clinical history of the device as detailed in the literature. The reported orbital and cranial complications are described, and the major complication rate per sinus is calculated at 0.0035%. Most importantly, the balloon dilating catheter is stressed as being a unique instrument that can be used to enlarge a sinus ostium and dilate a sinus outflow tract in the most mucosal-sparing method possible, regardless of whether it is used in conjunction with standard instrumentation or as a stand-alone device.