Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 4, 2026

Discovering Middle Ear Anatomy by Transcanal Endoscopic Ear Surgery: A Dissection Manual
Published on: January 11, 2018
In Vivo Measurement of Middle Ear Pressure Changes during Balloon Eustachian Tuboplasty
Holger Sudhoff1, Philipp Mittmann2, Ingo Todt1
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Ruhr Universität Bochum, Klinikum Bielefeld, Germany.
Background:
Balloon Eustachian tuboplasty (BET) is known as a treatment for chronic obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction (OETD). The precise mechanism of action is not fully understood. Observations in sheep cadavers and human cadavers have shown specific middle ear pressure changes related to BET.
Methods:
In this prospective study using a microfibre optical pressure sensor, pressure changes during BET were for the first time monitored transtympanically in five normal human middle ears in vivo.
Results:
Middle ear pressure changes during 21 BETs consisted of five stages (insertion, inflation, deflation, withdrawal, and recovery). The highest pressure change occurred in most of the cases during the withdrawal of the balloon catheter. Withdrawal pressure yielded a mean middle ear pressure of 4.76 mmHg (61.89 daPa) with a maximum of 13.88 mmHg (179.55 daPa). Pressure amplitudes capable of causing barotrauma to ear structures were not detected. Internal carotid artery dehiscences were detected as causative of sinusidual pressure changes.
Conclusion:
The middle ear pressure changes detected in vivo during BET can be attributed to the balloon inflation. Further human studies with patients affected by OETD are necessary to gain more insight into the mechanism of action of BET to clarify a possible pressure related second mechanism of action of BET.
Related Concept Videos
Definition and Measurement of Pressure: Atmospheric Pressure, Barometer, and Manometer
Measurement of Fluid Pressure
A basic form of manometer is the piezometer, a vertical tube open at the top and filled with the same...
Measurement of Blood Pressure
Equipments Used To Measure Blood Pressure
This invasive approach involves cannulating a peripheral artery. During each cardiac contraction, pressure generates mechanical motion within the catheter, transmitted through rigid, fluid-filled tubing to a transducer. This transducer converts mechanical motion into electrical signals displayed as waveforms on a monitor. An automatic flushing system prevents blood backflow. Due to the potential risk of unexpected arterial blood loss, this method is primarily used in intensive...
Anatomy of the Ear
Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.

