Learn More 1-800-823-5000
Online Resources
HIALEAH, FL-- A clinically proven, minimally invasive technology for treating chronic sinus inflammation is now available at Palmetto General Hospital. The Balloon Sinuplasty™ system by Acclarent™ uses a small catheter and balloon to quickly open and expand blocked sinuses.
Sinusitis is one of the most common chronic health problems in the U.S., afflicting 37 million Americans each year. Patients suffer headaches, congestion, fatigue and other symptoms. This condition can significantly impact physical, functional, and emotional quality of life.
Historically, 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 as many as 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, approximately 900,000 patients each year elect to live with painful sinus conditions.
There is an alternative solution in endoscopic sinus surgery with the Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology by Acclarent. A small, flexible balloon catheter is placed through a nostril into the blocked sinus passageway. The balloon is then inflated to gently restructure and open the sinus passageway, restoring normal sinus drainage and function.
Dr. Julio Torres is one of the first physicians in this area to offer this technology. He said, “The Balloon Sinuplasty™ devices by Acclarent are a true advance in sinus care because in many cases it can be done without removing any tissue or bone. That means faster recovery times and less post-procedure discomfort. In fact, many of my patients have been able to return to normal activities within 24 hours and have had significant improvement in their symptoms.”
The international, multi-center study, CLEAR1, published in the prestigious journal, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery2, confirmed at all time points – 24-week, one-year and two-years - earlier clinical validation that the Balloon Sinuplasty™ instruments are safe and effective for opening blocked sinuses. The CLEAR study reported:
91.6% functional patency rate at one-year; 70 patients (217 sinuses)
No serious adverse events at two-years; 65 patients (195 sinuses)
Symptom improvement for 85% of patients across the two-year-postsurgery period.
Palmetto General Hospital, part of Tenet's Miami-Dade/Broward Health Network iis a 360-bed acute-care hospital at 2001 West 68th St. in Hialeah, Florida. The hospital has served the medical and health care needs of Northwest Miami-Dade and Southwest Broward counties for more than 30 years.
Palmetto General Hospital offers a broad range of services, including adult and pediatric emergency rooms, maternity, mental health, cancer center, hyperbaric, wound care, and sleep disorders center, a cardiac program that includes both medical and surgical services, a bariatric program that has been designated a Center of Excellence by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery and a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence as designated by the American College of Radiology.
Palmetto General Hospital is fully accredited by The Joint Commission, the nation's oldest and largest hospital accreditation agency. The hospital is the Best-Rated Hospital in Miami-Dade County for Bariatric Surgery and ranks second in Florida and among the Top 5% in the Nation for Bariatric Surgery for two consecutive years by HealthGrades, a health care quality rankings company. In addition it has earned a five-star rating and is among the top five percent of hospitals in the nation for maternity care by HealthGrades.
The Hospital has also received 2009 American Heart Association Get With the Guidelines (GWTG) Gold Performance Achievement Award, 2009 American Heart Association/American Stroke Association – chose the America's Best Hospitals issue (July 2009) – US News and World Report to recognize the Hospital for Achievements in Get With The Guidelines Programs. Palmetto General Hospital is one of only 34 hospitals nationwide to earn Solucient's 100 Top Hospitals designation six or more times.