New procedure helps
sinusitis patients

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Cedar Park Regional Medical Center doctors in North Austin are performing a new procedure on chronic sinusitis patients. Doctors Russell Briggs and Karen Stierman use the new technique called the Acclarent Stratus MicroFlow Spacer. They are the only doctors in Travis and Williamson counties who offer the new cure, and they are two of only 50 doctors in the country who perform this procedure.

Through CT scans, doctors place a catheter directly into the sinuses. Then, a plastic drug delivery system is inserted. Doctors inject liquid steroids that help shrink swelling.

"We're using a very small catheter that serves as a medicine delivery system by allowing a slow dilution of the medications into the sinus to fight the inflammation," said Briggs. "It is an easier procedure for patients and incredibly effective."

Sinusitis affects 39 million people each year. For more information on Acclarent Stratus MicroFlow Spacer, visit the Acclarent and Cedar Park Regional Web sites.