Hydraulic dissection technique during endoscopic sinus surgery using a novel balloon sinus dilation device

BACKGROUND: More than a decade after its introduction, some rhinologic surgeons have incorporated the technique of balloon sinus dilation (BSD) technology into “hybrid” endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) procedures. A novel BSD device which can be placed over standard surgical instruments, including surgical navigation instruments, has recently been introduced. We present a case series in which this device was used as a hydraulic dissection tool to aid safe efficient surgery in difficult‐to‐access locations of the paranasal sinuses during hybrid ESS procedures. OBJECTIVE: Highlight the potential role of hydraulic dissection techniques during ESS utilizing BSD. METHODS: Retrospective case series of patients who underwent ESS performed in part with a novel BSD device. RESULTS: A total of 10 patients who underwent hybrid ESS with BSD were reviewed. In all 10 cases, the novel BSD device was used without complication. The device was used over straight and curved suctions while being tracked with surgical navigation in all cases. Thirteen posterior ethmoid dissections, 12 sphenoidotomies, and 8 frontal sinusotomies were assisted with the device. For the selected dissections in which the balloon was utilized, the operating surgeon found it to be helpful in creating more space in difficult to access areas which allowed for continued safe surgical dissection. CONCLUSIONS: Sinus balloon devices can be used as a hydraulic dissection tool and may be a useful adjunct during ESS. The novel dilation system used in this study, which deploys a sinus balloon device over standard surgical instruments with surgical navigation, provides even more opportunity to accurately dissect difficult areas of the paranasal sinuses safely and efficiently. Further studies evaluating the exact role of sinus balloon devices used as a hydraulic dissection tool during ESS are warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.