Experimental and clinical experience of albumin coating of tympanostomy tubes.
OBJECTIVE
Otorrhea and tube occlusion are typical problems with tympanostomy tubes (TT). The purpose of this study was to test glue protein, fibronectin adhesion on albumin-coated and uncoated TT surfaces and to show the effect of this method on TT sequelae in vivo.


METHODS
Fibronectin binding on TT surface was tested in two in vitro experiments. Thereafter 170 patients were randomized in a prospective clinical trial to test the effect of the method in vivo. The extruded TTs that could be collected from ears of some study patients were imaged with scanning electron microscopy (SEM).


RESULTS
Marked binding inhibition of fibronectin on albumin-coated TTs was found. Fewer tube sequelae were found in ears with albumin-coated TTs. SEM revealed thick crusts on uncoated tube surface.


CONCLUSIONS
Albumin coating of TTs can reduce unwanted adhesion on the tube surface in vitro and tube occlusions in vivo.


CONCLUSIONS
TT sequelae can be reduced by surface coating with albumin.
Kinnari
Teemu J
TJ
Department of Otolaryngology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland. teemu.j.kinnari@helsinki.fi
Jero
Jussi
J
D000268:Adhesiveness / Q000187:drug effects; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005353:Fibronectins; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008422:Materials Testing; D008876:Middle Ear Ventilation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D010034:Otitis Media with Effusion / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011485:Protein Binding / Q000187:drug effects*; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000494:pharmacology*
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D005353:Fibronectins; D012709:Serum Albumin