February 15th, 2008

Christie Clinic's Ears, Nose & Throat Department is utilizing a new technique to treat chronic sinus inflammation. This minimally invasive technique is called Balloon Sinuplasty^TM and uses an illuminated guide and a small balloon catheter to quickly open and expand blocked sinus passages.

Dr. Henry Lipps, a specialist in Otolaryngology at Christie Clinic, is the first physician in Illinois, outside of Chicago, to routinely perform this procedure in the dark with the use of an illuminated guide.  Only twelve other physicians in the state use this newest light and balloon technology.  

"I use the light as a guide to place the small, flexible balloon catheter through the nostril and into the blocked sinus passageway.  The balloon is then inflated to gently restructure and open the sinus passageway and restore normal sinus drainage and function," said Dr. Lipps.  "I'm really excited to be able to offer this new and innovative technique to East Central Illinois."  

Dr. Lipps performs Balloon Sinuplasty^TM in our new Procedure Center , at Carle Foundation Hospital, and at Provena Covenant Medical Center as well.

 Other physicians in the state who perform Balloon Sinuplasty^TM without the illuminated guide have X-rays taken of the patient during the procedure to help them place the flexible balloon catheter correctly into the sinus passageway.  This is more time consuming, and more expensive due to the cost of special radiological equipment.  It also exposes the patient to a small amount of radiation. 

Until recently, sinusitis patients were limited to two treatment options: medical therapy such as antibiotics and topical nasal steroids, or conventional sinus surgery such as Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS).  Medical therapy can help alleviate symptoms for 75-80% of patients but is inadequate for the rest.  For them, sinus surgery is often the best option.  However, FESS is a conventional surgery that requires bone and tissue removal in order to open up blocked sinus passageways.  In lieu of a desired treatment, more than 600,000 patients elect to live with painful sinus conditions.  

Patricia Seep of Forrest, IL had sinus surgery with the Balloon Sinuplasty^TM technique on January 25^th by Dr. Lipps and says she no longer suffers from one of the most common chronic health problems in the U.S.   

"I had no swelling or bruising and I only took a total of two pain pills during the first 12 hours after the procedure," Seep said. "My husband even tells me I don't snore anymore!" 

Sinusitis patients who are considering their options can learn more about the Balloon Sinuplasty^TM technology by Acclarent^TM  by contacting Christie Clinic's Allergy/ENT Department at 355-1200 or by visiting www.balloonsinuplasty.com.  

Christie Clinic has provided health care to the residents of central Illinois for over 75 years. It is the oldest multi-specialty medical group practice in central Illinois. Christie Clinic has clinics on University Avenue and Windsor Road in Champaign; Convenient Care at County Market near the intersection of Kirby and Duncan in Champaign; CU Sleep in Champaign; satellite clinics in Danville, Mahomet, Rantoul, and Tuscola; and is planning an additional facility in Urbana as well as more Convenient Care in Champaign-Urbana County Market locations. For more information about Christie Clinic, call 217-366-1200, or go to www.christieclinic.com.

Tags: ent, provena, henry lipps, balloon sinuplasty, sinus, carle