Use of a new device, the MicroWick, to deliver medication to the inner ear.
A new procedure for delivering medication directly to the inner ear has been developed. This delivery system, called the MicroWick, involves the use of a small wick that is inserted through a tympanic membrane vent tube into the round window niche. Once the wick has been inserted, the patient can self-administer eardrops into the ear canal, where they are absorbed by the wick and transported to the round window membrane and to the inner ear fluids. Inserting the wick is a minor procedure that is performed in the office. This paper describes the indications for and use of the MicroWick.
Silverstein
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Ear Research Foundation, Sarasota, Fla. 34239, USA. earsinus@aol.com
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004427:Ear Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D004867:Equipment Design; D005839:Gentamicins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003639:Hearing Loss, Sudden / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008575:Meniere Disease / Q000188:drug therapy; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013256:Steroids / Q000008:administration & dosage
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D005839:Gentamicins; D013256:Steroids; D003907:Dexamethasone