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Balloon catheter dilatation of Eustachian tube: a preliminary study
Peter J Catalano1, Sashikanth Jonnalagadda, Vivian M Yu
1Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, St Elizabeth's Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02135, USA. peter.catalano@steward.org
Objective:
Eustachian tube dysfunction is a common problem and transnasal endoscopic balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube (ET) is a new surgical technique. The goal of this study is to review the evolution of this novel technique and study the preliminary outcomes.
Subjects And Methods:
Balloon catheter dilation of the 100 Eustachian tubes in 70 adults was performed at a tertiary medical center from January 2009 to January 2011. A 5-mm sinus balloon catheter was endoscopically placed transnasally into the proximal ET to dilate the cartilaginous ET. Cases were reviewed with respect to indications, outcomes, and complications.
Results:
Of the 100 ETs, ear fullness and pressure were improved in 71% of patients studied for 26.3 weeks (± 3.6). Of 8 patients followed for a minimum of 34 months, 87% reported persistent improvement. One complication is reported.
Conclusion:
Endoscopic transnasal ET balloon dilation is a novel approach to treating ET dysfunction. Benefits can be durable up to 3 years. This technique holds much promise and merits further investigation.