The paranasal sinuses are basically large cavities that exist within the skull.  They have a special lining called mucosa that is related to and continuous with the lining of the nose, throat and lungs.  Healthy sinuses produce mucous that is slowly mobilized and expelled from the sinus through natural sinus outflow tracts.  Many diseases that affect the sinuses cause problems with this process and prevent the natural aeration and clearing of the sinuses.

Balloon dilation is an important advancement in minimally invasive endoscopic sinus surgery because it provides another tool to help open and widen the normal passages that lead to the sinuses.  This helps achieve a more normal state of anatomy and physiology that will allow the sinus to heal and function normally again.  The technology is particularly useful for the frontal sinuses located in the forehead where the outflow tract is very narrow and can scar shut if instrumented too aggressively.

It's important to remember, however, that the sinus balloon dilator is a tool.  It should not be considered as a modern replacement for all other tools and techniques that have been developed to help people with chronic sinus problems.  The knowledgeable surgeon will use the balloon when it is best suited for the problem at hand but will also have the expertise to use more conventional and sophisticated techniques and technology when necessary.