Mercy Health Muskegon among first to offer new implant for chronic sinusitis

Mercy Health Muskegon among first to offer new implant for chronic sinusitis

The Propel sinus implant offered by Dr. Paul Lomeo maintains the opening created in surgery, providing relief to chronic sinus sufferers. Thinkstock.com

Dr. Paul E. Lomeo, a physician at Mercy Health Muskegon, is among the first in the United States to offer patients with chronic sinusitis the Propel mometasone furoate implant that is clinically proven to improve the results of surgery for chronic sinusitis.

Chronic sinusitis is a condition in which patients’ sinuses become swollen and inflamed, leading to difficulty breathing, facial pain or headache, and loss of smell and taste. The condition is common, affecting 31 million people in the U.S., and greatly impacts quality of life.

Although sinus surgery is an effective treatment for it, the majority of patients experience recurrent symptoms within the first year and as many as 25 percent then undergo revision surgery due to recurring obstruction of the sinus cavity.

The Propel implant releases mometasone furoate, a pharmaceutical that helps maintain the openings created during sinus surgery. The device props open the sinuses in a spring-like fashion and provides effective delivery of steroid directly to the sinus lining. The self-expanding implant conforms to the highly variable sinus anatomy and delivers anti-inflammatory medication where it’s needed most as the implant dissolves.

“The Propel implant offers new hope for chronic sinusitis sufferers,” said Lomeo. “The goal of sinus surgery is to enlarge the inflamed or obstructed sinus passageways. Three studies have shown that Propel maintains the opening created in surgery, translating into significant benefits for patients with chronic sinusitis. After Propel, many of my patients have once again been able to enjoy life without the symptoms of chronic sinusitis.”

Propel implants reduce the need for additional surgery and for systemic steroids, which can have serious side effects. Patients may breathe easier, regain a sense of smell and resume activities such as traveling and exercise.

The Propel implant is not for every sinus sufferer and may not be covered by insurance.

The safety and efficacy of the Propel implant has been documented in three clinical trials conducted in the United States, involving 205 patients.