Sinus Care

Sinus Doctors and Treatments Available at Tempe St. Luke's

Specialists with the Center for Sinus Care Innovation are experienced in treating serious nasal conditions with innovative treatments, some of which are unique to the Valley area.

Pillar Implants

Pillar® Implants are a minimally invasive therapy for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. During a simple in-office procedure, a physician places three small inserts into the soft palate; these inserts reduce the vibrations that cause snoring, helping to limit airway obstruction. Additionally, these inserts add support to the soft palate. Because Pillar® Implants are invisible, cannot be felt, and do not interfere with speech or swallowing, many patients choose them as an alternative to more invasive procedures and sleeping devices like CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure).

Sinuplasty

Do you suffer from chronic sinusitis? If so, you may be a candidate for Balloon Sinuplasty™, a revolutionary new treatment option that offers a less invasive solution to clearing blocked sinus passages. Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology 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.

For many patients, breathing and drainage return to normal within days and most can return to regular activities shortly after sinus surgery at Tempe St. Luke’s Hospital.

Somnoplasty

Somnoplasty® is a minimally invasive procedure that is less painful than traditional treatments for upper airway obstructions. Patients who undergo Somnoplasty® tend to experience a faster recovery with some swelling and discomfort and only two to three days of medication. Many Somnoplasty® patients return to their normal activities the next day.

The in-office procedure is done in just thirty minutes with a local anesthesia. First, patients receive an injection in the palate—similar to having a Novocaine injection at the dentist’s office. During the procedure, radiofrequency (RF) energy is used to create small lesions deep inside the tissues of the upper airway. (The RF energy does not damage the surface of the tissue.)

During the three to eight weeks following the procedure, the body naturally resorbs the RF-affected tissue. Through this process, the amount of excess tissue is reduced, the remaining tissue is stiffened, and the upper airway is opened up. All of these anatomical changes work together to reduce symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.

Eighty-five percent of patients find their symptoms resolve after one or two Somnoplasty® treatments. This procedure is only intended for patients who have been diagnosed with the conditions listed above. A proper medical diagnosis is essential prior to the surgery.