Ear, Nose and Throat Center
Multidisciplinary ENT care
What are they - and what do they do?
This page contains links to other Internet sites with information about otolaryngology.
Tips for avoiding throat irritation and conditions.
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Tonsillectomy Might Be Worth It for Some Adults
Finnish study found fewer sore throats after surgery, less time lost from work or school
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Sinuses Near Nose Not Just 'Evolutionary Leftover'
New study finds they help give nose shape and get air to the lungs more quickly
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Health Tip: Experiencing Nosebleeds During Pregnancy?
Here's what to do to avoid them
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Health Tip: What's Behind Your Nosebleed
Dryness and allergies are common triggers
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Fainting Spells Often Tied to Too Many Meds at Once: Study
Doctors usually work with patients to spread dosing out, to avoid such problems
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Health Tip: What's Behind a Sore Throat?
Sinus or throat infections are common causes
Listed in the directory are some common conditions of the ear, nose, and throat in the growing child.
Middle-ear infections are the most common cause of earaches in children.
The sinuses are cavities, or air-filled pockets, that are near the nasal passage.
It is estimated that 45 percent of all adults snore occasionally, and 25 percent habitually snore...
The common cold is one of the most common illnesses, leading to more doctor visits and absences from school and work than any other illness every year.
Seasonal allergies and colds have similar symptoms but some important differences...
Balloon Sinuplasty™
What is Balloon Sinuplasty™?
The painful symptoms associated with chronic sinusitis can be overwhelming. If symptoms are difficult to control with medications alone, your primary care doctor may refer you to an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist, who can determine the best course of treatment, including further medication therapy or surgery to open the sinus passageways.
Now, there is an additional surgical option for treatment of blocked sinuses called Balloon Sinuplasty™. If you have been diagnosed with chronic sinusitis and are not responding well to antibiotics, you may be a candidate for surgery. Balloon Sinuplasty™ is a less invasive option clinically proven to be safe, effective and improve the quality of your life.
Balloon Sinuplasty™ is an endoscopic, catheter-based system for patients suffering from sinusitis. The FDA-cleared technology uses a small, flexible, sinus balloon catheter to open up blocked sinus passageways, restoring normal sinus drainage. When the sinus balloon is inflated, it gently restructures and widens the walls of the passageway while maintaining the integrity of the sinus lining.
The following picture summarizes the steps associated with using the Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology:
Balloon Sinuplasty™ Benefits
The benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology for treating chronic sinusitis symptoms include:
- Safe and Effective: While use of any surgical instrument involves some risk, clinical research has indicated the Balloon Sinuplasty™ system to be safe and effective in relieving symptoms of sinusitis.
- Minimally Invasive: The technology uses small, soft, flexible devices that enter entirely through the nostrils. These devices gently open blocked sinus openings, and in many cases, without tissue or bone removal.
- Reduced Bleeding: Because in many instances no tissue or bone is removed when using this technology, there may be reduced bleeding associated with the procedure.
- Improved Recovery Time: While recovery time varies with each patient, many people can return to normal activities within 24 hours.
- Does Not Limit Treatment Options: This technology is an endoscopic tool and may be used with other medical therapies or sinus surgery techniques. It does not limit future treatment options if you have progressive disease.
As with use of any surgical instrument, there are risks, and results may vary from patient to patient. Schedule an appointment with Northwest Arkansas' only Balloon Sinuplasty™ certified surgeon Dr. Gary Highfill to find out if the Balloon Sinuplasty™ system is right for you.
Sparks Sinus Center of Excellence
ENT Center - West at
Sparks Clinic
1500 Dodson Ave.
Fort Smith, AR
(479) 573-7985
fax: (479) 573-7987
Sparks Health System’s multidisciplinary provides comprehensive care for conditions that affect the ear, nose and throat. Our highly skilled ENT doctors (or otolaryngologists) provide care for everything from earaches and sinus conditions, to addressing issues that involve hearing, balance, taste, and speech and language.
