Patients diagnosed with sinusitis but not responding to medications may be candidates for sinus surgery.[1][2][3][4] Balloon technology was initially cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration[5][better source needed] in 2005 and is an endoscopic, catheter-based system for chronic sinusitis. It uses a balloon over a wire catheter to dilate sinus passageways. The balloon is inflated with the goal of dilating the sinus openings, widening the walls of the sinus passageway and restoring normal drainage.