
AbstractObjective:This study aimed to assess the feasibility of using a 1.3 mm, semi-rigid, interventional salivary endoscope for middle-ear endoscopy, and as a trans-tympanic route for delivery of medication, in human cadaveric temporal bones.Study design:Human cadaveric study.Methods:Five temporal bones harvested from human cadavers were examined. A 1.3 mm, interventional sialendoscope was used to make endoscopy-assisted myringotomy incisions in the postero-inferior quadrant (n = 5) and the antero-inferior quadrant (n = 3).Results:Middle-ear examination was successful in all specimens (n = 5). Access to the round window niche and adequate visualisation of the round window were achieved in all five temporal bones (100 per cent). A guide wire could be navigated to the round window niche without difficulty. Other structures identified in all specimens included the incudostapedial joint, stapedius tendon, pyramidal eminence and facial nerve via an extended myringotomy incision. The anterior middle-ear space was also successfully examined through an endoscope-guided anterior myringotomy. The opening to the eustachian tube was visualised and cannulated with a guide wire in all preparations in which this was attempted (n = 3).Conclusions:The 1.3 mm, interventional sialendoscope allowed adequate visualisation of the eustachian tube, middle-ear space and round window niche, with interventional capabilities, in a cadaveric model. Our result validates the feasibility of its use for trans-tympanic drug delivery.
Endoscopes, Tympanic Membrane, Administration, Topical, Drug Administration Routes, Ear, Middle, Temporal Bone, Endoscopy, Equipment Design, Drug Delivery Systems, Cadaver, Salivary Ducts, Feasibility Studies, Humans, Otologic Surgical Procedures
Endoscopes, Tympanic Membrane, Administration, Topical, Drug Administration Routes, Ear, Middle, Temporal Bone, Endoscopy, Equipment Design, Drug Delivery Systems, Cadaver, Salivary Ducts, Feasibility Studies, Humans, Otologic Surgical Procedures
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 8 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Average | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Top 10% | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% |
