Use of Lighted Urologic Guide Wires in Sialendoscopy: A Proof-of-Concept Study

In combined approach sialendoscopy surgery, the sialendoscope tip may be used to illuminate the duct and serve as a visual target during cut down dissection. While this can assist in identifying the location of the duct and any obstruction, it also runs the risk of damaging the endoscope. In this prospective single-arm trial, we investigated the safety of an infrared ureteral stent as a means of identifying the path of the salivary ducts. Five patients were enrolled to test the feasibility and safety of this device while undergoing sialendoscopy, which was trialed in 2 submandibular glands and 4 parotid glands. There was 1 instance of device failure which required intraductal exploration to rectify. Infrared light was able to be identified through tissue both transorally and transcutaneously, and in some instances was capable of identifying duct location when visible light was not. Future development in this technology targeting sialendoscopy may provide significant clinical utility for otolaryngologists.