New Technology in Treating Chronic Sinus Infections Available at Baptist Downtown, Wolfson
37 Million Americans Afflicted with Sinusitis

Jacksonville, Florida, September 6, 2006 -- A new minimally invasive procedure for treating chronic sinus inflammation is now available at Baptist Medical Center Downtown and Wolfson Children's Hospital, the first hospitals to offer this new technology. The Balloon Sinuplasty™ system uses a small catheter and balloon to quickly open and expand blocked sinuses.

Otolaryngologist Scott Scharer, MD, was the first physician in Jacksonville to be trained in the procedure and performed balloon sinuplasty on the first adult patient in Jacksonville on September 6, 2006.

Pediatric otolaryngologist Gary Josephson, MD, also was recently credentialed and has performed the first balloon sinuplasty on a pediatric patient in Florida. The procedure was done at Wolfson Children's Hospital on a three-year-old patient who was suffering from chronic sinusitis that didn't respond to traditional treatment.

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 significantly affects an individual's physical, functional and emotional quality of life.

Until recently, 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 for 75 to 80 percent 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, more than 600,000 patients elect to live with painful sinus conditions.

Now there is an evolution in endoscopic sinus surgery with the Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology. 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.

"The Balloon Sinuplasty devices are a true advance in sinus care because, in many cases, it can be done without removing any tissue or bone," says Scharer. "That means faster recovery times and less post-procedure discomfort. In fact, I expect that many of my patients will be able to return to normal activities within 24 hours and will experience significant improvement in their symptoms."

Sinusitis patients or parents of children with the condition can learn more about Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology by calling 202.CARE (2273) or visiting Acclarent.