What is XprESS?

XprESS is a multi-sinus dilation system used to treat chronic sinusitis. It comprises a balloon‑tipped device with a re-shapeable end that is inserted through the nose into the maxillary, frontal, or sphenoidal sinuses. It also includes an inflation syringe, a bending tool and two extension lines to provide irrigation.

The balloon is manipulated into the bony sinus outflow tracts (ostia) and inflated with saline. It reshapes and opens the ostia by displacing adjacent bone and paranasal sinus structures, allowing the sinuses to drain more effectively.

Why is XprESS required?

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a highly prevalent condition affecting 10% of the UK adult population. It is associated with a significant reduction in quality of life and high healthcare utilisation. Routine rhinology surgery is performed under general anaesthetic (GA) and requires operation theatre and hospital admission. Limited theatre capacity can lead to longer waiting times for patients. These delays in rhinology surgery particularly with CRS can lead to further complications for patients.

XprESS is an alternative to functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and should be considered in patients with uncomplicated chronic sinusitis who do not have severe nasal polyposis. XprESS can be used under local anaesthetic and doesn’t require theatre to perform a procedure which helps reduce patient waiting times, reduce hospital admission and leads to faster recovery. The treatment is particularly effective with patient groups who suffer from more than three episodes of acute sinusitis a year and is the only treatment for patients suffering from barotrauma.

According to the NICE Guidance (MTG30), “Treatment with XprESS leads to a rapid and sustained improvement in chronic symptoms, fewer acute episodes and improved quality of life which is comparable to FESS.”

What solution does XprESS provide?

Local anaesthesia numbs sinus tissue. The balloon is manipulated into the ostia and inflated with saline for 3-5s to dilate the treatment area. This reshapes and opens the ostia by displacing adjacent bone and paranasal sinus structures, allowing the sinuses to drain more effectively. The procedure is minimally invasive and can be performed whilst the patient is awake under a local anaesthetic.

Find out more

The Health Innovation Network National Lead for XprESS is Health Innovation East Midlands.

Alternatively, get in touch with a member of the project team below:

• Kanwal Umar, Assistant Project Manager: Kanwal.Umar@healthinnovationwm.org
• Chris Clowes, Innovation Programme Manager: Christopher.Clowes@healthinnovationwm.org

Click here to read the a Q&A with Mr James Barraclough, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Consultant at Nuffield Health, Wolverhampton Hospital, discussing how XprESS is utilised in surgery.

Read our case study for more information about XprESS adoption across the West Midlands.