A method for treating a natural drainage passageway in a subject includes
forming a cannulated artificial passageway into a subject's sinus cavity
through the canine fossa region with a piercing member, the piercing
member containing a hollow cannula thereon, the cannula comprising an
elongate flexible member having a lumen passing therethrough. The
piercing member is removed so as to leave the cannula in place. A balloon
dilation catheter is then advanced within the lumen of the cannula so as
to place the dilation balloon at least partially across the natural
drainage passage in the sinus cavity. The dilation balloon is dilated so
as to at least partially expand the natural drainage passageway.