Electromagnetic Dilation System Enhances Sinus Surgery

A novel balloon sinus dilation system with built-in electromagnetic (EM) surgical navigation technology helps surgeons confirm anatomy and optimize placement.

The NuVent EM sinus dilation system is a balloon seeker intended for patients who have scarred, granulated, or previously altered tissue. It is designed to work with the Fusion ENT Navigation System, a GPS-like navigation system that helps target blocked sinuses during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), thus providing an additional tool to help surgeons move tissue and bone around the openings of the frontal, maxillary, and sphenoid sinuses in order to help restore proper sinus drainage.


The system is particularly useful during revision sinus surgery (RSS), which may be needed when FESS does not alleviate suffering, and can pose unique challenges due to potential scar tissue and altered anatomy from previous surgeries. The image-guided system combines plug-and-play simplicity with technological innovation, allowing surgeons to see the precise location of the NuVent tip on the Fusion ENT Navigation System before balloon placement. The NuVent EM and the Fusion ENT Navigation systems are products of Medtronic (Minneapolis, MN, USA).

“As the first sinus dilation system for revision surgery and the first with built-in electromagnetic tracking, NuVent is an example of transformative technology that provides meaningful benefits to patients and physicians,” said Vince Racano, vice president and general manager ENT at Medtronic. “Our innovative image-guided system used with NuVent provides surgeons with a detailed view of the sinus anatomy during the procedure, and may enhance precision and allow physicians to help more patients in office.”

“NuVent is an ingenious surgical tool that combines automatic calibration, precise electromagnetic navigation, and balloon dilation technology all in one device,” said professor of otolaryngology Rick Chandra, MD, chief of rhinology and sinus and skull base surgery at Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN, USA). “It has been extraordinarily useful in accomplishing the goals of revision functional endoscopic sinus surgery, particularly to address technical challenges associated with the frontal sinus.”

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses and nasal passages, which can become infected. It can cause significant physical suffering and emotional struggles, including headaches, facial pain, missed work and personal engagements, limited physical activities, and problems sleeping. It is treated with antibiotics, decongestants, and saline sprays, but when medical management fails, surgery may improve overall symptoms.

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