Objective: To investigate the degree to which transnasal eustachian tube (ET) dilation balloon catheters are able to be passed through the ET in a cadaver model.
Patients and interventions: A cadaveric study of 8 cadaver heads (16 ears), which underwent transnasal ET insertion with a 3 × 20-mm balloon catheter with transtympanic endoscopic visualization and grading.
Results: Catheter tip incursion into the protympanum or mesotympanum occurred in all ears. Radiological validation was obtained with correlation to published ET length data.
Conclusion: Middle ear incursion of balloon catheter tips can be demonstrated in a cadaver model and highlights the ongoing need for both caution in novel surgical techniques and evolution in device design.
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