Patients with CRS can benefit from balloon sinus dilation procedure

Mar 31 2011

Results published in the January/February, 2011 issue of International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology demonstrate that patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) who receive treatment with balloon sinus dilation can experience significant improvement in work productivity. Prior to treatment, patients reported a 38% loss in productivity due to sinusitis symptoms that resulted in absenteeism and reduced on-the-job effectiveness. Twelve months after balloon dilation of the sinus drainage pathways using FinESS™ Sinus Treatment, patients reported a reduction of absenteeism and lost work productivity of 73% to 76%.

According to Brian Farley, CEO of Entellus Medical, "This study demonstrates the toll of sinusitis symptoms on worker productivity, and the potential of Entellus' FinESS Sinus Treatment to dramatically reduce patient absenteeism, activity impairment, and work limitations. We are very pleased that these patients, who often are in the prime of their wage-earning years, and their employers, are able to benefit from a procedure that can be performed quickly and successfully in the doctor's office."

In the report titled, "Impact of chronic rhinosinusitis on work productivity through one-year follow-up after balloon dilation of the ethmoid infundibulum," subjects reported the quantity, quality and timeliness of their work output was limited 33% of the time due to CRS, and significantly impacted their absentee rate. Treatment with balloon-only sinus dilation dramatically reduced the impact of CRS on productivity, and patients experienced on average a 70% improvement in quality of life related to sinusitis symptoms.

Sinusitis is a common medical condition in which inflammation of the sinuses causes mucus blockage, sinus infection, and significant patient discomfort. The use of balloon sinus dilation to treat appropriate sinusitis patients is covered by Medicare and a number of private health insurance plans.