Objectives Balloon sinuplasty is a new procedure that is gaining popularity in the United States. However, with all new technology, there is an increase in cost. Balloon sinuplasty increases the overhead for the facility where it is being performed and does not affect reimbursement. To decrease the cost of new technology, the physician, facility, and the company must all think of creative methods to acheive this goal. Methods In our institution, we had 60 patients that had balloon sinuplasties performed, with all of them involving both maxilary and frontal sinus. Re-useable olive-tip cannula was used instead of the company's recommended disposable guide catheter for the frontal and maxillary sinuses. In using the olive-tip as a guide catheter, the guide wire and balloon catheter are easily directed to the opening of both the maxillary and frontal sinus. Results The outcome from all 60 patients was successful, with none returning for revision. In using the olive-tip cannula instead of the disposable catheter guide for the maxillary and frontal sinuses, there was a savings of $37,500 for the institution. Conclusions The use of an olive-tip cannula from the basic FESS set decreases the cost of performing balloon sinuplasty. This suction-tip can replace the catheter guide without compromising the surgical procedure and is easy to use by the experienced sinus surgeon. There was a cost savings of $625 per procedure when using an olive-tip cannula instead of the company's recommended catheter guide.
Endoscopic View of Balloon Catheter Dilation of sinus Ostia (Balloon Sinuplasty)
