Caution in Transnasal Balloon Dilation of the Eustachian Tube: Middle Ear Penetration of Catheter Tip in a Cadaveric Model
Alexander Treble, Timothy Do, Leba M. Sarkis, Allison Newey, Soo Yee Naidoo, Alexander J. Saxby, Jonathan H. K. Kong, Nirmal Patel, Nicholas Jufas
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the degree to which transnasal eustachian tube (ET) dilation balloon catheters are able to be passed through the ET in a cadaver model. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS: A cadaveric study of 8 cadaver heads (16 ears), which underwent transnasal ET insertion with a 3 × 20-mm balloon catheter with transtympanic endoscopic visualization and grading. RESULTS: Catheter tip incursion into the protympanum or mesotympanum occurred in all ears. Radiological validation was obtained with correlation to published ET length data. CONCLUSION: Middle ear incursion of balloon catheter tips can be demonstrated in a cadaver model and highlights the ongoing need for both caution in novel surgical techniques and evolution in device design.