Balloon Dilation

Certain inflammatory conditions or growths can cause a narrowing of the airway or another part of the body such as the intestinal tract or a blood vessel. Balloon dilation is one way to clear this obstruction and restore your body to normal function. This procedure is minimally invasive and usually performed under local anesthesia. Your doctor will insert a small tube with a medical “balloon” at the end into the affected area. The balloon is inflated for a few seconds to allow the passage to open, and in certain procedures a "stent" device may be employed to maintain this opening. The balloon is then deflated and the device removed. Recovery from this procedure will depend on the type of balloon dilation that is being performed, but most patients can resume their normal activities shortly after.