Freeman frontal sinus stents

Frontal sinus disease is being treated endoscopically as sinus surgeons become more experienced. To maintain patency of the frontal sinus duct (outflow tract) the opening has to be expanded or stented to reduce the possibility of postoperative stenosis. The Freeman frontal sinus stent has evolved over the past 10 years. It is composed of silicone tubing to reduce tissue reactivity, bi-flanged for retention and is packaged with an endoscopic insertion kit.

Abstract of study

Objectives: The formation of scar tissue, synachiae, or osteogenesis in the narrow frontal outflow tract following instrumentation of the frontal sinus has led to attempts to enlarge the frontal duct or stenting. Study design: Prospective. Results: Sixty-four Freeman frontal sinus stents were used to maintain patency in 46 patients. Stents were inserted using an endoscopic technique in 26 sinuses with polyps, 20 with pansinusitis, and 18 cavities with stenosis of the frontal duct. External incisions with frontal sinusotomy were required to remove the stenosis and insert the stent in 9 sinuses. Polypoid degeneration, granulation, purulent drainage, and lateralization of the middle turbinate were encountered infrequently. Frontal obliteration was subsequently required in 6 sinuses. Conclusion: The Freeman frontal sinus stent prevented blockage of the outflow tract in patients who had removal of disease in the sinus or duct or treatment of frontal stenosis.