New method for coating tympanostomy tubes to prevent tube occlusions.
OBJECTIVE
tympanostomy tube insertion is currently the most common surgical procedure requiring general anesthesia performed on children. Occlusion of the tube and prolonged otorrhea through the tube are typical problems associated with the use of middle-ear ventilation tubes. In this study, a new method for coating ventilation tubes is introduced that prevents occlusion of the tube lumen by granulation tissue, blood clot or pus.


METHODS
human serum albumin (HSA) was used to coat standard tympanostomy tubes of different materials. Fibronectin, a typical protein in serum and exudates and one of the most adhesive glycoproteins, was used as a model representative of exudates of the ear.


RESULTS
when compared with the binding on uncoated tubes, the binding of fibronectin on HSA-coated tubes was inhibited from 59 to 85%, depending on the tube material used.


CONCLUSIONS
HSA-coating markedly reduced the binding of fibronectin on tube surfaces in vitro. The study shows the potential role of HSA-coating in preventing the adherence of foreign material to tympanostomy tubes and reducing tube occlusions.
Kinnari
T J
TJ
Department of Otolaryngology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, P.O. Box 220, FIN-00029 HUCH Helsinki, Finland. teemu.kinnari@hus.fi
Salonen
E M
EM
Jero
J
J
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D005353:Fibronectins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008876:Middle Ear Ventilation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011485:Protein Binding; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000378:metabolism
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D005353:Fibronectins; D012709:Serum Albumin