Balloon dilatation of the paranasal sinuses: a tool in sinus surgery.

Chronic sinusitis affects millions of patients. Balloon technology is a tool that has enhanced the surgeon's ability to treat patients suffering from chronic sinusitis. Three companies have developed products to dilate sinus ostia. An extensive literature review reveals that balloon catheters have an impressive safety profile and seem to be an effective tool for ostial dilatation. These tools are particularly effective in frontal recess dilatation and have great potential for office use under local anesthesia.