Diagnosis of the tuba Eustachii ex-vivo and in-vivo using endoluminal imaging techniques

Introduction For the diagnosis of the Eustachian tube (ET), we have already been able to present feasibility and initial results ex vivo in optical coherence tomography (OCT) and by catheter-based ultrasound diagnostics (probes for intravascular and intraluminal ultrasonography, i.e. IVUS and ILUS, respectively). We present results with a modified technique, feasibility, and effects in vivo on an animal model.

Methods Via pernasal insertion into the ET atraumatically under pernasal endoscopy, probing was performed down to the protympanum, and ultrasonography was performed with retraction of the probe with the generation of a coherent image data set circularly around the tube axis.

Results In vivo, too, the application proved to be free of complications and – as an already established procedure, e.g. in the cardiac catheterization laboratory – quickly applicable in the setting of a surgical routine. The compartments could be differentiated peritubular and manipulations could be made visible, such as the targeted injection laterally of the ET in the soft tissue to increase the tube opening resistance.

Conclusions Catheter-based imaging, such as IVUS – or even ILUS – complements and extends diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in ET.

Die Studie wurde unterstützt durch Volcano Europe BV, Belgien und BMBF RESPONSE 03ZZ0931E. // The study was supported by Volcano Europe BV, Belgium, and BMBF RESPONSE 03ZZ0931E.

 

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Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
12. Mai 2023