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Devices that keep sinuses open after the surgery

Sinus surgery resolves many symptoms in the patients suffering from polyposis and sinus infections. The surgery opens ostia of the swollen sinuses, enabling the airflow and drainage to heal the infection and check its recurrence. However, the procedure may lead to complications, such as stenosis, recurrence of polyps and / or inflammation, causing obstructions and thus requiring revision surgery. 
To avoid the obstructions and subsequent surgeries, different devices are used to keep the sinus ostia clear and open. The devices include gels, sponges, packing and stents.

 PROPEL

Propel™ sinus implant, a drug-eluting stent, is designed for the patients with chronic sinusitis, wherein swollen sinuses cause discomfort persistently. PROPEL is placed into the ostium after the procedure. The bioabsorable stent releases slowly corticosteroid mometasone furoate within the treated area. The device prevents swelling and obstruction due to adhesion, and stabilizes the middle turbinate. Recent clinical studies’ results published in the International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology (June 2012) highlight that PROPEL usage reduces further surgical interventions after an endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). The implant also reduces dosage of oral steroids required for treating the inflammation. Fast healing and less inflammation enhance durability of the surgical procedure. 
PROPEL improves result of the sinus surgery. The implant opens blocked and swollen sinuses and delivers steroids effectively, safely and directly to the sinus membrane. The self-expanding device easily adjusts with the anatomy of the sinus. 
Stratus MicroFlow Spacer
The spacer releases fluids into the paranasal sinuses slowly to ensure that the ostium remains open and clear. The device can be used in ethmoid and frontal sinuses. 
Stratus MicroFlow Spacer, a catheter-based implant, features a microporous reservoir that moistens the ethmoid sinus cells. At the end of the reservoir, a pair of radiopaque markers is located. The Stratus Deployment Guide (Ethmoid) is used to deliver the spacer into the sinus. The single-use spacer is sterilized with ethylene oxide gas. The spacer is used after the surgery to maintain ostial patency of the frontal and ethmoid sinuses up to two weeks. Since reuse may lead to contamination and affect the performance of the device, use it and throw it.