SINUVA

Overview

SINUVA is a bioabsorbable, steroid-releasing implant explicitly designed for adults who continue to struggle with nasal polyps after endoscopic sinus surgery. This innovative treatment addresses persistent polyp growth by delivering mometasone furoate—a potent anti-inflammatory corticosteroid—directly to the affected sinus tissue for up to 90 days. Unlike oral medications that circulate throughout your entire body, SINUVA provides localized treatment right where you need it. Many patients will experience a significant reduction in nasal obstruction and an improved sense of smell, allowing you to breathe more easily and reclaim your quality of life without the need for revision surgery.

What is SINUVA?

SINUVA™ is a drug-eluting sinus implant made of a soft, bioabsorbable polymer that expands once placed in your ethmoid sinus cavity. The implant is inserted through your natural nasal opening during a brief office visit and slowly releases mometasone furoate over approximately 90 days to shrink polyps and reduce inflammation. As it delivers medication, the implant also helps maintain sinus openings and improves airflow. Because the material is bioabsorbable, the implant gradually softens and is either removed by your ENT specialist or naturally expelled as your polyps shrink.

Who Is SINUVA For?

SINUVA may be appropriate for adults who:

• Are age 18 or older with nasal polyps that persist or return after sinus surgery
• Have nasal obstruction, chronic congestion, or reduced sense of smell caused by recurring polyps
• Suffer from recurrent sinus infections despite prior surgical treatment
• Want to avoid revision sinus surgery through a minimally invasive alternative

A consultation with our ENT specialists is essential to determine whether SINUVA is the best option for your specific condition.

Benefits

The SINUVA implant offers several benefits:

Improved Quality of Life: Reduces nasal obstruction, congestion, and impaired sense of smell

Long-Term Symptom Relief: Provides sustained improvement in breathing and sinus function

Reduced Need for Surgery: May decrease reliance on revision endoscopic sinus procedures

Targets the Root Cause: Delivers corticosteroid directly to polyp tissue rather than using oral medications

Office-Based Procedure: Performed in-office with only topical and local anesthesia—no operating room or general anesthesia required

Minimal Downtime: Most patients return to normal activities immediately after placement with little to no recovery period

Procedure Details

We typically perform SINUVA placement under topical and local anesthesia in the office. General steps include:

1. Anesthesia: A topical anesthetic is applied inside the nose to ensure comfort.
2. Visualization: Your ENT uses a thin endoscope to clearly see the ethmoid sinus cavity and identify the optimal placement location.
3. Implant Insertion: The SINUVA implant is carefully guided through your nostril into the ethmoid sinus using specialized instruments.
4. Positioning: The soft implant naturally expands to fit the sinus space, allowing it to deliver medication while maintaining the integrity of the sinus openings.
5. Recovery: You will rest briefly and then go home with simple care instructions.

Estimated time: Most placements take about 15–30 minutes; allow additional time for preparation and observation.

What to Expect During Removal

In many cases, the implant needs to be removed in 90 days, although sometimes it comes out on its own. Removing the implant typically involves a brief office visit. You may feel slight pressure during removal, but most patients report minimal discomfort. You can drive yourself home and return to normal activities right away.

Recovery & Outlook

Recovery Time

• Initial recovery: Most patients resume normal daily activities, including work, the same day.
• Full effect: Symptom improvement typically builds over several weeks as the corticosteroid is released and polyps shrink, with maximum benefit by the end of the 90-day treatment period.

What to Expect During Recovery

• Temporary symptoms: Mild nasal discomfort, increased drainage, minor bleeding, or pressure in the first few days after placement.
• Home care: Follow your ENT specialist’s guidance regarding nasal care. Avoid nose-blowing if instructed. Contact our office if you experience significant discomfort or persistent bleeding.
• Follow-up: You’ll have scheduled follow-up visits to monitor progress and remove the implant approximately 90 days after the initial procedure.

Long-Term Outlook

Many patients experience a significant reduction in nasal obstruction and an improvement in their sense of smell within the 90-day treatment period. Clinical studies have shown meaningful improvement in breathing, polyp size, and overall quality of life for the majority of SINUVA patients. After removal, many patients maintain symptom relief for months, though individual results vary. Some patients may benefit from repeat SINUVA treatment, while others may need additional medical management. Your ENT specialist will work with you to develop a long-term management plan tailored to your specific condition and treatment response.

Frequently Asked Questions