Stenting the Eustachian tube to treat chronic otitis media - a feasibility study in sheep

• DOI: 10.1186/s13005-018-0165-5
• Publication Date: 2018-05-04T15:07:00Z
• Authors: Friederike Pohl; Robert A. Schuon; Felicitas Miller; Andreas Kampmann; Eva Bültmann; Christian Hartmann; Thomas Lenarz; Gerrit Paasche
• Keywords: Eustachian tube; Lumen (anatomy); Otology

Untreated chronic otitis media severely impairs quality of life in affected individuals. Local destruction the middle ear and subsequent loss hearing are common sequelae, currently available treatments provide limited relief. Therefore, objectives this study were to evaluate feasibility insertion a coronary stent from nasopharynx into Eustachian tube in-vivo sheep make an initial assessment its positional stability, tolerance by animal, possible tissue reactions. Bilateral implantation bare metal cobalt-chrome stents two sizes was performed endoscopically three healthy blackface using nasopharyngeal approach. The postoperative observation period months. Stent feasible with no intra- or post-operative complications. Health status unaffected. All preserved their cylindrical shape. shorter remained position ventilated even when partially filled secretion tissue. One long became dislocated toward nasopharynx. Both others fixed at isthmus but appeared be blocked secretion. Tissue overgrowth on top struts all resulted closure tissue-lumen interface. Stenting successfully transferred cadaver studies application without well tolerated, ears ventilated, clearance auditory possible. For fixation, it seems sufficient place only cartilaginous part tube.