Chronic tympanic membrane perforation in an animal model
Nader Emami1, Melvin D Schloss1, Sam J Daniel1
1McGill Auditory Sciences Laboratory, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Center, Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Summary
This study found that thermal myringotomy with microflaps is not a reliable method for creating chronic tympanic membrane perforations in animals. The perforations healed too quickly, indicating a need for a better animal model.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Surgical Research
Background:
- Chronic tympanic membrane perforation is a common condition requiring effective animal models for research.
- Current methods for creating experimental perforations may not accurately mimic chronic human conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To revalidate and reproduce a chronic tympanic membrane perforation animal model using thermal myringotomy and microflaps.
- To assess the reliability and consistency of this technique in creating persistent perforations.
Main Methods:
- A prospective animal study involving eight female chinchillas.
- Bilateral thermal myringotomy was performed, with perforation edges infolded using microflaps.
- Perforation closure was monitored over time.
Main Results:
- Two animals were excluded due to ear infections.
- All tympanic membrane perforations in the remaining animals closed spontaneously.
- Perforation closure times ranged from 4 to 6 weeks.
Conclusions:
- The thermal myringotomy combined with the infolding technique is not a reliable method for creating chronic tympanic membrane perforations.
- The observed rapid closure times are shorter than anticipated and inconsistent among subjects.
- There is a significant need to develop a more dependable animal model for chronic tympanic membrane perforations.
