Simulating an Eustachian Tube Dysfunktion in Sheep’s head cadaver

Introduction The Eustachian Tube (ET) is an organ that connects the nasopharynx with the middle ear cavity, whereas its primary function is the physiological regulation of pressure in the tympanum and drainage of mucous.

The authors in medical literature agree that persisting dysfunction of the ET may lead to middle ear effusion and chronic otitis media up to atelectasis and Cholesteatoma.

Based on literature research, the concepts to cure a Eustachian Tube Dysfunction don’t show convincing long term results.

An Eustachian Tube Stent bypassing the stenosis, in order to recreate a physiological function, might be a future way of treating Eustachian Tube Dysfunctions.

Therefor we used sheep’s heads to simulate the dysfunction.

Material and Method In an experimental series, after locating the anatomical regions, we simulated a stenosis by implementing hyaluronic acid into the mucosa. We were also able to test the repositioning forces of the Eustachian Tube Stents. A DVT scan was used to verify the point of application.

Results Based on the DVT scan results we were able to show that we can simulate an Eustachian Tube Dysfunktion with this technique. Furthermore, for the first time, we were able to apply an Eustachian Tube Stent in an simulated stenosis.

Discussion The development of a simulated stenosis in the Eustachian Tube, meaning a simulated Eustachian Tube Dysfunction seems to be the first step to realize a new treatment concept based on stenting the Eustachian Tube. Further experiments on living sheeps are needed. The success of this new treatment method remains to be seen.

Poster-PDF A-1840.PDF

Publication History

Article published online:
10 June 2020