4.2 Article

The Feasibility of Eustachian Tube Dilation With a Standard Endovascular Balloon: A Comparative Cadaver Study

Journal

OTOLOGY & NEUROTOLOGY
Volume 43, Issue 2, Pages 256-262

Publisher

LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS
DOI: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000003404

Keywords

Balloon dilation of the eustachian tube; Endoscopy; Endovascular balloon; Eustachian tube dilation; Eustachian tube dysfunction

Funding

  1. Louis Savlov Medical Research Endowment
  2. Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation (Toronto, Canada)
  3. Kevin and Sandra Sullivan Chair in Surgical Oncology
  4. Myron and Berna Garron Fund
  5. Strobele Family Fund
  6. RACH Funds

Ask authors/readers for more resources

This study compared the performance and usability of a less expensive endovascular balloon to an approved device for eustachian tube dilation. The results showed that the less costly balloon achieved similar results to the approved device without any tissue damages or safety concerns in a cadaver study.
Background: Balloon dilation of the eustachian tube is a new therapeutic option for eustachian tube dysfunction. One of the limiting factors of wider adoption of this technique in many parts of the world is the high cost of the devices, in spite of regulatory approval of safety. Objective: Evaluate the performance and usability of standard less-expensive endovascular balloons for eustachian tube dilation in comparison to an approved device in a preclinical study. Study Design: Comparative cadaver feasibility study. Setting: University tertiary care facility. Methods: Ten eustachian tube dilations were performed with an approved eustachian tube dilation device. Ten other procedures were carried out with an endovascular balloon of similar dimensions. Cone beam computerized tomography was performed to evaluate the extent of dilation and possible damages. The lumen and mucosal lining were inspected endoscopically post-dilation. Volume measurements were compared before and after the procedure in both groups using contrast enhancement. Results: All 20 eustachian tube dilations were carried out successfully. No tissue damages could be identified on cone-beam computerized tomography or via endoscopic examination. There was a statistically significant difference of eustachian tube volumes between pre- and post-dilations, with no statistically significant difference between the devices. Conclusion: Eustachian tube dilation with a less costly endovascular balloon achieved similar results to an approved eustachian tube dilation device. No damages or any other safety concerns were identified in a cadaver study.

Authors

I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.

Reviews

Primary Rating

4.2
Not enough ratings

Secondary Ratings

Novelty
-
Significance
-
Scientific rigor
-
Rate this paper

Recommended

No Data Available
No Data Available