What Researchers Did
Researchers developed and systematically evaluated a new technique using modified intravenous cannulae to place tympanostomy tubes for managing ear barotrauma.
What They Found
This technique was effective in 99% of 271 treated ears across 156 adult patients, with 191 tubes placed for otalgia due to hyperbaric oxygen therapy. On follow-up, 88% of tubes had extruded naturally, and 99.6% of eardrums healed completely and spontaneously without complications.
Canadian Relevance
This study covers a condition, otic barotrauma, that can arise from hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which is used for several Health Canada-recognised indications.
Study Limitations
As a retrospective review, this study's findings are based on existing patient records, which may limit the ability to control for all variables.