A New Instrument for Sinus Irrigation: Self-Supportable Sinus Irrigator

Yun, Yeong Seok

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
There are several methods of sinus irrigation, they also have several problems such as, local pain and damage to the orbit or the tooth, bleeding, soft tissue swelling of the cheek, prolonged procedure time and so on. Now, a new instrument for sinus irrigation, self-supportable sinus irrigator, has been devised for easy, feasible, and efficacious sinus irrigation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Self-supportable sinus irrigator has two component parts. One is an irrigator part and the other is a self-supportable part. After the irrigator tip is introduced into the middle meatus beyond the uncinate process or into the maxillary sinus via the natural ostium, the irrigator part is supported by the self-supportable part. The sinuses are irrigated using normal saline. RESULTS: Two models have been devised. Type 1 irrigator was used for irrigation of the ethmoid sinus and the frontal sinus and type 2 for the maxillary sinus. Sinuses could be irrigated with minimal complications with less time-consuming efforts. Fluid collection in the maxillary sinus could be identified on Waters' view in both models. CONCLUSION: The irrigator is useful for sinus irrigation and can be practically used by outpatients.