![]() This can cause ear infections, mild deafness and an. There is a huge need for this procedure, and it will greatly reduce the need for all those ear tubes” and other related surgeries. If the Eustachian tube is blocked, secretions and associated bacteria build up inside the middle ear. The balloon is kept inflated for about two minutes helping to remodel the Eustachian tube cartilage and flatten out any inflammation. “Every time the tubes come out, they need the tubes in again. “There are people who need tubes 13 or 14 times,” he said. Still, Kaylie believes it will be a significant advance for millions of people who require ear tube surgery. During the clinical trial for the Aera system, some common problems included small tears in the lining of the eustachian tube, minor bleeding, and sometimes, worsening of their eustachian tube dysfunction. While Kaylie believes the device will prove useful to many people who currently require ear tube surgery due to eustachian tube dysfunction, fluid in their ears, or chronic ear infections, he also cautions that there are some people for whom it will not be appropriate. Once the tube is open, the balloon is deflated and removed. The balloon is inflated, which opens the eustachian tube and allows air to flow through. ![]() Studies of the device showed “long-term normal eustachian function after the procedure.”ĭuring the minimally invasive procedure, a catheter is used to insert a small balloon through the nose and into the eustachian tube. “This new device has been shown to return the middle ear to normal and greatly eliminate middle ear pressure in properly selected patients,” he said. With the FDA-approved Aera system, children and adults with chronic eustachian tube dysfunction can opt for a simple, 10-minute procedure instead, Kaylie said. Recurrent eustachian tube dysfunction requires the surgical placement of tubes in the eardrum, which allows pressure to equalize in the middle ear. Stuffy ears and noses, hearing loss, ear pain and pressure, as well as ringing in the ears (tinnitus) can result.īlocked eustachian tubes can be relieved by nasal sprays and antihistamine tablets, which reduce inflammation and congestion. When the tube is blocked from a cold, sinus or nose problems, or ear infections, air can no longer pass through. “This allows you to equalize pressure” on either side of the eardrum, explained David Kaylie, MD, a Duke otolaryngologist. ![]() Normally, the tube is filled with air and opens when yawning or chewing. The eustachian tube is the main connection between the back of the throat and the middle of the ear.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |