scholarly journals Polymer selection for Eustachian tube stent application based on mechanical, thermal and degradation behavior

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 656-659
Author(s):  
Kerstin Lebahn ◽  
Kerstin Stöffler ◽  
Stefan Oschatz ◽  
Daniela Arbeiter ◽  
Thomas Reske ◽  
...  

Abstract The novel concept of stenting the Eustachian tube was established to provide an effective and safe therapy of Eustachian tube dysfunction. Biodegradable polymer stents are being developed to restore impaired tube function. As the supporting effect may be required for different time periods, PLA-co-PEG copolymers, PLLGA, PDLLA and PDS, having shorter degradation times compared to PLLA, were evaluated as potential stent materials. Since tensile tests and thermal analyses of solvent cast films from PLA-co-PEG copolymers showed comparable properties to PLLA, stent samples were manufactured from these materials. Mechanical stent testing revealed an increase of elastic recoil and slight decrease of collapse pressure compared to PLLA. In a short term accelerated degradation study a considerable percentage molar mass reduction and an increasing degree of crystallinity depending on PEG content was found. Based on the results obtained, the tested polymers offer a promising, faster degradable alternative to the established stent material PLLA.

2019 ◽  
Vol 133 (7) ◽  
pp. 580-587 ◽  
Author(s):  
B K-H G Franz ◽  
R Patuzzi ◽  
C J Wraight ◽  
G Kay ◽  
A Ng ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the effect of topical betahistine on Eustachian tube function in subjectively abnormal subjects in a hyperbaric chamber.MethodActive and passive Eustachian tube function was examined using tympanometry in a pressure chamber.ResultsActive Eustachian tube function was tested against the negative middle ear pressure induced by increasing the chamber pressure to +3 kPa. One voluntary swallow decreased middle-ear pressure by a mean of 1.36 kPa. Passive Eustachian tube function was tested by measuring spontaneous Eustachian tube openings as the chamber pressure dropped from +10 kPa to ambient. Four distinct patterns of Eustachian tube behaviour were seen, three of which indicated Eustachian tube dysfunction. Betahistine had no positive effect on Eustachian tube opening, although previous animal studies had suggested a beneficial effect.ConclusionTopical betahistine had no effect on Eustachian tube function. Combining a hyperbaric chamber with tympanometry proved ideal for evaluating Eustachian tube function.


2013 ◽  
Vol 127 (7) ◽  
pp. 650-655 ◽  
Author(s):  
A M Augustine ◽  
L Varghese ◽  
R C Michael ◽  
R R Albert ◽  
A Job

AbstractObjective:To assess the efficacy of dynamic slow motion video endoscopy as a test of eustachian tube function based on its correlation with the eustachian tube swallow test.Method:The eustachian tube swallow test and dynamic slow motion video endoscopy were performed on 100 clinically normal middle ears of adults undergoing rigid nasal endoscopy for various indications. The dynamic slow motion video endoscopy findings were interpreted by three observers who were blind to the results of the eustachian tube swallow test, and the findings of both techniques were compared.Results:There was a statistically significant correlation between the dynamic slow motion video endoscopy and eustachian tube swallow test results for some of the more lenient criteria. Five of the 100 eustachian tubes had a floppy medial cartilaginous lamina which appeared to contribute to the eustachian tube dysfunction.Conclusion:Dynamic slow motion video endoscopy appeared to over-diagnose eustachian tube dysfunction when used as a standalone test of eustachian tube function. However, when used in combination with other tests of eustachian tube function, it can provide valuable information regarding the structural and functional status of the pharyngeal end of the eustachian tube.


2021 ◽  
Vol 59 (6) ◽  
pp. 560-566
Author(s):  
X. Chen ◽  
H. Dang ◽  
Q. Chen ◽  
Z. Chen ◽  
Y. Ma ◽  
...  

Background: Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) often have Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) symptoms. This study aimed to prospectively investigate the effect of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) on improvement of Eustachian tube function in CRS patients with ETD from a Chinese population and determine factors associated with improvement. Methods: A prospective study was performed in CRS patients with ETD who underwent ESS from 3 tertiary medical centers in south China. The Eustachian tube Dysfunction Questionnaire 7 (ETDQ-7), Sinonasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT-22), tympanograms, endoscopic findings and Valsalva maneuver were recorded and analyzed preoperatively and postoperatively at 8-12 weeks. Results: A total of 70 CRS patients with ETD were included in this study. The ETDQ-7 score and the ability of positive Valsalva maneuver in CRS patients were significantly improved postoperatively at 8-12 weeks. The number of patients with type A tympanogram was increased postoperatively. Reduced Eustachian tube mucosal inflammation was also observed postoperatively. In addition, ESS appeared to reverse slight tympanic membrane atelectasis after 8-12 weeks. Moreover, improvement in tympanogram was presented in more than half of CRS patients with concomitant otitis media with effusion postoperatively at 8-12 weeks. Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed failure of normalization of ETDQ-7 postoperatively was associated with concomitant allergic rhinitis and higher preoperative SNOT-22 score. Conclusions: This study confirms Eustachian tube function is often improved after ESS in CRS patients with ETD. Concomitant allergic rhinitis and higher preoperative SNOT-22 score are associated with failure of normalization of ETD symptoms.


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1985 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 131-131
Author(s):  
GAIL G. SHAPIRO

In Reply.— Sharon's impression that children with a specific facies might be more prone to otitis, if true, might mean that there is an association between certain facial growth pattern and aberrant Eustachian tube function. Along the same lines, there is limited evidence and much discussion about the incidence of ear problems being higher in allergic children; their Eustachian tubes are compromised by the changes induced by hypersensitivity reactions in the contiguous area. As intimated by Sharon, perhaps the sequelae of chronic rhinitis are twofold: facial growth abnormalities and Eustachian tube dysfunction.


2003 ◽  
Vol 117 (11) ◽  
pp. 854-860 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cem Uzun ◽  
Recep Yagiz ◽  
Abdullah Tas ◽  
Mustafa K. Adali ◽  
Nurkan Inan ◽  
...  

We investigated the eustachian tube function and the incidence of alternobaric vertigo (AV) in 29 sport self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) divers with, or without, some possible risk factors for AV. The divers had normal audiological and otoscopic findings at the pre-dive examination. We used the nine-step inflation/deflation tympanometric test and Toynbee test for evaluation of eustachian tube function, and the Valsalva manoeuvre for patency. Information on divers, their history, and their otolaryngologic examination were obtained in the pre-dive examination. Divers performed 1086 dives (mean 37, range: 3–100) during the observation period. Four divers (14 per cent) experienced AV during five dives (0.46 per cent), (one diver experienced AV two times). It was found that having an otitis media history or eustachian tube dysfunction determined with the nine-step inflation/deflation tympanometric test before diving, or difficulty in clearing ears during diving could be important risk factors for AV in sport SCUBA divers (p<.05). Divers with such findings seem to be more prone to AV and should pay rigorous attention to the precautions for prevention of AV.


2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-31
Author(s):  
Md Manjur Rahim ◽  
Ahmmad Taous ◽  
Md Hasan Zafar ◽  
Mozharul Islam ◽  
Khalid Asad ◽  
...  

The present study includes evaluation 60 ears of 30 nasal patients admitted to department of Otolaryngology and Head-Neck Surgery at Banghabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. Each patient underwent nasal surgery followed by anterior nasal packing for 48 hours. All patients were investigated by tympanometry prior to surgery, 2nd post operative day before pack removal and on 7th post operative day 5 days after pack removal. This study shows that nasal packing result in Eustachian tube dysfunction and negative middle ear pressure which is reversible in nature. Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol; April 2017; 23(1): 27-31


1983 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 41-62

Afrin nasal spray did not aid eustachian tube function in a double-blind study of children with severe eustachian tube dysfunction. This result should discourage widespread use of such drugs for this condition. As mild dysfunction has not been studied, conclusions cannot be drawn about use for this condition. There have been no studies showing efficacy; use of topical nasal decongestants should await such studies. A double-blind study revealed no benefit of this drug. "The conclusion of this study is clear: beclomethasone nasal spray has no effect on a middle ear effusion in preschool and school children." Comment: Perhaps other doses, means of administration, etc, would be helpful, but proof of efficacy is still lacking. My patients don't get this therapy (nor the previous one).


2001 ◽  
Vol 124 (4) ◽  
pp. 414-420 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian W. Downs ◽  
Henry F. Butehorn ◽  
Jiri Prazma ◽  
Austin S. Rose ◽  
Jocelyn C. Stamat ◽  
...  

INTRODUCTION: The role of allergy in eustachian tube dysfunction is controversial. In this study, allergy was simulated by exposure to histamine, and eustachian tube function testing was performed in an experimental rat model. METHODS: Ventilatory function was assessed by measuring passive opening and closing pressures of the eustachian tube after challenge with either transtympanic or intranasal histamine. The mucociliary clearance time of the tubotympanum was assessed by observing dye transport from the middle ear to the nasopharynx after challenge with either transtympanic histamine or control solution. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant increase in passive opening and closing pressures with transtympanic histamine versus intranasal histamine. In addition, mucociliary clearance times of the tubotympanum after transtympanic histamine showed a statistically significant increase when compared with those after transtympanic control solution. CONCLUSIONS: Transtympanic histamine exposure causes eustachian tube dysfunction in the rat by increasing passive opening and closing pressures of the eustachian tube and impairing mucociliary clearance time.


2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 505-508
Author(s):  
Kerstin Schümann ◽  
Tamara Wilfling ◽  
Gerrit Paasche ◽  
Robert Schuon ◽  
Schuon Robert ◽  
...  

AbstractTo provide an effective and safe therapy for chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD), biodegradable stents should be developed to restore important functions, e.g. middle ear ventilation and drainage. After defining general requirements specifications, stent designs of cardiovascular polymeric stents were modified according to dimensions and conditions of the Eustachian tube. Finite element simulations demonstrated the crimping capacity of the developed stent design and the ability of expansion in the specific geometry of the target location. Subsequent in vitro tests of stent prototypes showed satisfying properties concerning crimpability, expansion behavior and elastic recoil to demonstrate general feasibility. Further developments and additional testing will advance the implementation of a new treatment option of ETD.


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