Stenting the Eustachian Tube – a New Innovative Treatmentconcept for Chronic Otitis Media – Feasibility Study on Fresh Human Cadavers

Introduction:

Impaired function of the Eustachian tube (ET) is the main underlying pathophysiology of chronic otitis media. The dysfunction is typically located in the cartilaginous part of the ET.

Several concepts (wire within the ET, BET, grommets) have been tried within the last decades to overcome chronic ET dysfunction – with moderate success rate. Stenting the cartilaginous part supports the physiological mechanism, simplify the pressure equalization and keep up the ventilation of the middle ear. The study shows the feasibility of this therapy on fresh human cadavers.

Material und

Methods:

In an ex-vivo feasibility study at the ENT department at MHH we investigated 12 (24 ears) human cadavers (salt-alcohol fixation). All cadavers underwent pre- and post-intervention DVT Scans (Digital Volume Tomography). Different types of stents where placed transnasal either under view (Polyscope) or due to calculated parameters in the cartilaginous part of the ET using specifically developed surgeon system.

Results:

We could show by stenting the human ET (based on BET) is a save treatment option. Applying the stents under vision control is a further option. To ensure the correct position of the stent in the ET we performed a DVT scan.

Conclusion/Discussion:

Stenting the human ET is possible. Using different length and materials avoids the danger of possible autophony.

By choosing the right dimension an adaption to the anatomy is possible.

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 April 2019 (online)