Stony Point Surgery Center First 'Center of Excellence' for Innovative Sinusitis Treatment in Richmond

RICHMOND, Va., July 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Stony Point Surgery Center continues to lead the way in innovative surgical procedures and advanced patient care as a Balloon Sinuplasty™ Center of Excellence. The outpatient surgical center, which plays host to many of Richmond's top doctors, was the first in the area to use this non-invasive procedure that treats chronic sinus infections, commonly referred to as sinusitis. Balloon Sinuplasty, developed by Acclarent, utilizes a small catheter and balloon to expand blocked sinuses and treat the common symptoms of sinusitis, such as headaches, toothaches, nasal discharge and severe fatigue. Dr. Michael Armstrong, of Richmond ENT, has performed Balloon Sinuplasty for five years at Stony Point Surgery Center, and Dr. Matthew Bridges, of Commonwealth Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists, is another of the group's first physicians to perform the non-invasive surgery. Stony Point Surgery Center and Acclarent have since trained the ENT nurses and doctors to perform the technique.

"Balloon Sinuplasty demonstrates the advance in our technologies and practices for treating many chronic sinus-related ailments," said Bruce Kupper, CEO of Stony Point Surgery Center. The 'Center of Excellence' demonstrates our dedication to training all of our respective staff in this procedure, as well as our dedication to providing treatment options that allow our patients to return to their optimal health as quickly as possible."

For the approximately 37 million Americans afflicted with chronic sinus inflammation, previous treatment options were limited to treatment with antibiotics and topical steroids or potentially dangerous sinus surgery. Balloon Sinuplasty is a less invasive alternative for comprehensive treatment and prevention of sinusitis. Success rates for symptom improvement are comparable to traditional endoscopic sinus surgery, as found in the Clinical Evaluation to Confirm Safety and Efficacy in the Paranasal Sinuses (CLEAR) studies:

• 91.6% functional patency rate at one-year post surgery;
• No serious adverse events at two-years post surgery; and
• Symptom improvement for 85% of patients across the two-year post-surgery period.

For more information about the first Balloon Sinuplasty Center of Excellence in Richmond or Drs. Armstrong and Bridges' use of Balloon Sinuplasty as a non-invasive alternative for treating sinusitis, please contact Dave Saunders at 804-521-4141 or [email protected].

About Stony Point Surgery Center

Stony Point Surgery Center is Central Virginia's pre-eminent outpatient surgical facility. Founded in the tradition of the former Richmond Eye and Ear Hospital, Stony Point Surgery Center leads the industry in innovative hearing and vision corrective treatments. Stony Point Surgery Center provides a broad spectrum of routine and special healthcare services in addition to its specialization in Vision and Hearing practices. For more information about Stony Point Surgery Center, please visit their website at www.StonyPointSC.com.

SOURCE Stony Point Surgery Center