Balloon Sinuplasty Radiation Exposure Deemed Safe

Newswise — Balloon catheter dilation of the sinuses, commonly known as balloon sinuplasty, continues to gain acceptance as an emerging technique for treating chronic sinusitis. Now a new study indicates that the amount of radiation the eye lens is exposed to during the procedure is safe.

The findings, presented at the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation’s Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO in Washington, DC, show that the lens of the eye can withstand up to approximately 29 minutes of the fluoroscopic guidance necessary for the procedure. The authors used mathematical modeling (estimates) based on previously published data to measure the radiation dose. This was used to estimate the tolerable length of radiation exposure in respect to the normal length of treatment.

The author notes that while this study indicates the level of radiation exposure is safe, further research is needed to corroborate these results in actual balloon sinuplasty.

Title: Estimate of Radiation Dose to the Lens in Balloon Sinuplasty
Authors: Rakesh K. Chandra, MD
Date: Sunday, September 16, 2007, 10:32 AM - 10:40 AM

Information for the Media:

The AAO-HNS Annual Meeting newsroom will be located in Registration East, Street Level of the Washington, DC Convention Center. Hours of operation: Saturday, September 15, 12 pm to 5 pm; Sunday - Tuesday, September 16 -18, 7:30 am to 5 pm; and Wednesday, September 19, 7:30 am to 2 pm. The newsroom serves as a work space for credentialed members of the media and credentialed public relations staff. The newsroom is managed and staffed by the AAO-HNS Communications Unit. Please see the AAO-HNS website for media credentialing requirements for the event - http://www.entnet.org/ent-press/online_reg.cfm.

About the AAO-HNS
The American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (http://www.entnet.org), one of the oldest medical associations in the nation, represents more than 12,000 physicians and allied health professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. The Academy serves its members by facilitating the advancement of the science and art of medicine related to otolaryngology and by representing the specialty in governmental and socioeconomic issues. The organization’s mission: “Working for the Best Ear, Nose, and Throat Care.”