March 1, 2023

TruDi Balloon Sinuplasty

What is the TruDi Navigation System?

TruDi is a navigation ENT system developed by Acclarant, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. The Acclarant TruDi system uses an electromagnetic image-guided navigation system to help doctors perform endoscopic sinus procedures and surgeries, such as balloon sinuplasty.

How Does the TruDi Navigation System Work?

The TruDi Navigation System provides real-time, 3D navigation for ear, nose, and throat (ENT) procedures. The cutting-edge technology uses image-guided microsensor technology, innovative tracking hardware, and software tools to construct a 3D visual of the sinuses, which enables more precise placement of surgical instruments and devices during sinus procedures.

The TruDi Navigation System offers the following features:

• TruViewer: This feature enables the user to place an unlimited number of virtual cameras in the areas they need to be able to see better. These virtual cameras provide a True View of the area, enabling the doctor to see beyond the endoscope.
• Planning Points: Planning points can be used to help the doctor identify drainage pathways, structural anomalies, and difficult anatomy. They also function as beacons to alert the doctor when a surgical device has approached the point.
• TruMerge: This feature allows for automatic merging between MR and CT scans. The doctor can control the blending level between the scans while simultaneously navigating the scans using the navigation tools.
• Fast Anatomical Mapping: This is a real-time imaging tool that documents surgical changes that have been made to the anatomy.
• TruPACS: This feature allows the user to connect to their facility’s PACS server so they can easily load scans directly from the network.
• TruPath: The TruPath feature calculates and provides the shortest path between two points specified by the doctor. This path calculated is a valid path, meaning it doesn’t cross bone and is the most optimal route in air or in tissue.
• TruSeg: This feature uses artificial intelligence (AI) to apply automatic segmentation to anatomical structures pre-defined by the doctor.

If you're considering sinus surgery and want the precision of real-time image guidance, chat with us to find a sinus surgeon near you who uses the TruDi navigation system.

What is Balloon Sinuplasty?

Balloon Sinuplasty is a type of sinus surgery that is primarily used to treat sinusitis or chronic rhinosinusitis. The basic concept of the procedure is using a small inflatable balloon to dilate the sinus pathways so that the blocked sinuses can be drained.

The procedure is minimally invasive and is typically performed by an ENT in their own office. As it is a less invasive procedure than traditional sinus surgery, there is less need for it to be performed in a hospital.

Before the procedure, the doctor will give the patient topical or local anesthesia to numb the area being treated. A topical decongestant may also be applied inside the nose to control any potential bleeding.

Once the area is numbed, the doctor inserts a small tube with a light called an endoscope so they can better see what they are doing. Next, they use a catheter to guide a small balloon into the affected area of the sinuses.

Once the balloon is correctly positioned, the doctor will slowly inflate it to unblock the sinus passage. If needed, the doctor may deflate, reposition, and then inflate the balloon until the sinuses are fully opened. After this, they will deflate and remove the balloon.

TruDi Navigation System with Balloon Sinuplasty

Previously, when a balloon sinus procedure was performed, doctors had limited visual of the sinus pathways, meaning it was challenging to accurately place the balloon. But now, with the TruDi Navigation System, doctors can use 3D image-guided technology to get a clearer view of the sinuses and what they are doing, which allows them to more precisely and accurately place the balloon device.

Having to deflate, reposition, and then inflate the sinus balloon over and over again can cause irritation, is more likely to lead to an infection, and can lengthen the time of the procedure unnecessarily. However, with TruDi, the doctor can get in and out much quicker and place the balloon exactly where it needs to be the first time, which means less irritation, reduced risk of infection, and a better patient experience all around.

How Do I Know If I Am a Candidate for Balloon Sinuplasty?

Millions of people suffer from sinus issues like chronic rhinosinusitis every year. The symptoms can be frustrating and can even start affecting your day-to-day life. If you are someone who struggles with chronic sinus problems, meaning your symptoms are not temporary, but last more than 12 weeks at a time, then you might be a candidate for the balloon sinuplasty with the TruDi System.

Signs that you may be suffering from chronic sinusitis can include:

• Post nasal drip
• Thick yellow nasal discharge
• Tenderness or pressure in the face around the eyes and nose
• Sinus headaches
• Ear pain
• Toothaches
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Loss of sense of taste or smell
• Bad breath

The best way to determine if you are a candidate for balloon sinus surgery is to talk to your primary care doctor. They can refer you to an ENT specialist who can more accurately evaluate your condition and if you are a good candidate for the procedure.

When you sit down with an ENT, they might ask you questions such as:

• How long do your sinus symptoms last?
• How are your sinus symptoms affecting your day-to-day life?
• How many sick days do you take?
• How often do you feel tired?
• Are you currently taking any sinus medications?
• How well are your medications working for you?

If you think you are a good candidate for balloon sinuplasty you can also start an appointment consultation here on this site by searching for an expert near you. Simply put in your zip code to get started!

What Are the Benefits of TruDi Balloon Sinus Surgery?

Patients who have balloon sinuplasty procedures performed generally see significant improvement in their chronic sinusitis symptoms. And with the TruDi Navigation System, the procedure is even more accurate and effective.

There are six primary benefits to undergoing sinus balloon surgery with the TruDi System:

1. No incisions: There is no cutting with a balloon sinuplasty procedure. The doctor simply inserts a catheter with a small balloon and inflates it until the sinuses have opened up, allowing for blocked mucus to drain.
2. Speedy recovery: Because the procedure is minimally invasive, there is hardly any downtime needed after. Most patients can return to their normal activities a day or two later.
3. Minimal discomfort: Traditional sinus surgeries can be painful as there is a lot of cutting and bleeding. But with a balloon sinuplasty, discomfort is minimal and often only feels like slight pressure when the balloon is inflated.
4. Reliable results: Sinus medications are often unreliable and do not treat the underlying problem, only the symptoms. Side effects from long-term medication use can also be a danger to the body. But with balloon sinus surgery, the results are almost immediate and last long-term.
5. Convenient: The procedure is outpatient or office based, which means that it only takes around 30 minutes and can be performed right in the doctor’s office, and patients can go home immediately after.
6. Fewer side effects: Balloon sinuplasty procedures have minimal side effects as is, but with the TruDi Navigation System, it’s even more safe and effective, reducing the chances of negative side effects like infections.

What is Recovery Like After a TruDi Balloon Sinuplasty?

After a balloon sinus surgery, patients can typically return home immediately following the procedure. Some patients may need a ride home from the doctor’s office after the procedure but recovery time is minimal.

However, most doctors will recommend that you rest upon returning home for around 24 to 48 hours just to give the sinuses time to heal after being dilated. You will also be asked to avoid blowing your nose for one to two days and to rinse your nostrils with a saline spray to prevent any crusting in the area.

What Are the Risks and Side Effects of Sinus Balloon Surgery With the TruDi Navigation System?

All procedures come with risks, even those that are considered minimally invasive. No doctor can ever guarantee that nothing will go wrong.

That being said, balloon sinuplasty is FDA-approved and has been shown to be very safe and effective. Some of the complications to keep an eye out for are nosebleeds and the development of a sinus infection. However, both of these issues can easily be treated by your doctor.

But most often, patients experience little to no discomfort after the procedure other than some minimal bloody discharge or minor headache for a day or two. If you experience more than some minor discharge after the procedure, call your doctor or go to an urgent care if the nose bleeding won’t stop.

Talk to Your Doctor to See if the TruDi Navigation System Sinus Surgery is Right for You

If you are suffering from chronic rhinitis or other chronic sinus symptoms that last for more than 12 weeks and are affecting your daily life, contact your doctor to see if the balloon sinuplasty procedure with TruDi Navigation System is right for you. To date, many patients have undergone sinus balloon procedures and seen a significant improvement in their symptoms.