Minimally Invasive Sinus Procedures

Sinus pain is often intense and unbearable, but the minimally invasive sinus procedures available at Silicon Valley ENT & Sinus Center: Philip T. Ho, MD, FACS, in Los Gatos, California, can resolve chronic sinusitis without surgery. Board-certified otolaryngologist Dr. Ho has considerable experience performing procedures like balloon sinuplasty to relieve sinus pain. Find out how you can benefit from Dr. Ho’s expertise by calling Silicon Valley ENT & Sinus Center or using the online booking tool to request an appointment today.

Why might I need a minimally invasive sinus procedure?

Dr. Ho might recommend a minimally invasive sinus procedure if you have chronic sinusitis and other treatments aren’t helping.

Acute sinusitis typically develops when you have an acute respiratory condition, like a cold or flu, and the infection spreads from your nose and throat into your sinuses. Acute sinusitis should resolve within four weeks. Chronic sinusitis lasting over four weeks might result from a viral infection that clears up but inflames the tissues.

For patients with allergies, treatment for sinusitis might involve antibiotics to cure bacterial infections, decongestant medication, or corticosteroid nasal spray. A minimally invasive sinus procedure could resolve the problem if these are unsuccessful.

What does a minimally invasive sinus procedure consultation involve?

When you visit Silicon Valley ENT & Sinus Center for a minimally invasive sinus procedure consultation, Dr. Ho reviews your symptoms and examines your sinuses.

He may perform an in-office sinus endoscopy, inserting a flexible tube (endoscope) fitted with a tiny camera into your nose and analyzing the images produced.

What minimally invasive sinus procedures are available?

Dr. Ho performs several innovative minimally invasive sinus procedures, including:

Balloon sinuplasty

Balloon sinuplasty involves having a slim, flexible pipe (cannula) in your nose that Dr. Ho passes into your sinuses. He inflates the tiny balloon on the end of the cannula, flattening the inflamed tissues. This creates space and allows mucus to drain.

VivAER®

VivAER uses radiofrequency energy to allow Dr. Ho to remodel soft tissues in your nasal passages, improving your breathing.

RhinAER®

RhinAER also uses radiofrequency energy, reducing tissue swelling and calming the nerves responsible for excessive mucus production.

ClariFix®

Calrifix calms overactive nasal nerves using freezing technology (cryotherapy).

Turbinate reduction

Turbinates are bony areas inside your nasal passages that help filter and warm air when you breathe. Turbinate reduction removes part of the turbinate tissue to make breathing easier.

Eustachian tube balloon dilation

Acclarent AERA® balloon dilation increases space in the eustachian tubes that link the upper pharynx to your middle ear. Ear pain is a common problem with chronic sinusitis.

Dr. Ho also performs many other in-office procedures, including:

• Ear tubes for persistent fluid build-up behind the eardrum
• Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies
• Stroboscopy to assess vocal cord function
• pH probes to measure stomach acid in the esophagus
• Skin cancer excisions and repair

You might need sinus surgery if other treatments don’t relieve your symptoms.

Call Silicon Valley ENT & Sinus Center or book an appointment online today to benefit from minimally invasive sinus procedures.