Your sinuses are air-filled cavities in the bones in the nose and eyes. They are designed to provide drainage and to aid in breathing. When your sinuses become swollen and blocked, it can lead to a condition called chronic sinusitis. Most patients have recurring infections and an inability to breathe normally due to the obstruction.
Chronic Nasal Congestion
An estimated 35 million people in the United States suffer from chronic nasal congestion, and headaches and facial pain associated with the condition. It is a common and debilitating problem for children and adults. Most patients who have chronic sinusitis are also battling allergies.
Often, the first line of treatment is medication – using oral steroids and nasal sprays, antibiotics, decongestants and antihistamines. This is effective for many patients, but steroid dosage is sometimes difficult to determine and systemic oral steroids impact the entire body. Some patients cannot tolerate taking these powerful medications due to the short- and long-term side effects.
Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis
Common symptoms of chronic sinusitis include:
- Recurring nasal drip that is yellow or green
- Pain/swelling in the face
- Decreased sense of smell and taste
- Frequent headaches and inability to function normally due to fatigue
When medication is no longer effective or you need long-term relief from the pain and suffering of chronic sinusitis, WakeMed offers a new minimally invasive procedure that directly delivers medication to the source of the problem.
PROPEL – Mometasone Furgate Implant
This breakthrough treatment option - the PROPEL® implant – provides long-term relief for chronic sinusitis sufferers. WakeMed Ear Nose & Throat (ENT) physicians were among the first in Wake County to offer patients this innovative new technology. The spring-like PROPEL implant maintains the openings treated during sinus surgery and delivers an advanced steroid with anti-inflammatory properties directly to the sinus lining then dissolves into the body. The implantation is performed as an outpatient procedure. The treatment usually reduces the need for additional systemic steroids or surgery and, most importantly, improves your quality of life.
The PROPEL implant is placed in a sinus cavity as the final step of an endoscopy sinus surgery. First, the surgeon inserts an endoscope (tiny tube with a light on the end) into your nose to view the sinus cavities. Instruments are introduced as needed beside the scope. Once inside, the surgeon can remove any polyps or bones that may be causing the blockage. A laser can also be used to clean out excess tissue. After the cavities are cleared, the surgeon secures the implant, which is filled with mometasone furgate, a long-acting steroid that targets the sinuses.
The entire procedure, which is performed under general anesthesia, takes about 30 to 90 minutes.