Common agents used to unblock blood clots within tympanostomy tubes: an ex vivo study and review of literature.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy of common solutions used to dissolve blood clots blocking tympanostomy tubes (TTs) of differing lengths and diameters.


METHODS
An ex vivo experimental study.


METHODS
Ear models were built by the study investigator. Tympanostomy tubes were inserted into the models and blocked with blood clots. Test solutions were applied to the blood clots, and time for clearance was recorded via microscopic visual confirmation.


RESULTS
Richards T-tube had higher odds of unclogging than collar button tubes (odds ratio: 2.37, 95% confidence intervals 1.02-5.54, p=0.042). Vinegar and 3% hydrogen peroxide were most effective for Richards T-tubes and collar button tubes, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Common solutions (vinegar and hydrogen peroxide) were more effective than antibiotic drops in clearing blood clot blocking TTs.
Department of Otolaryngology and Head Neck Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States.
Emily L
EL
Burke
Rohan R
RR
Walvekar
James
J
Lin
Joseph
J
Hagan
Evelyn A
EA
Kluka
D019342:Acetic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D006801:Humans; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000494:pharmacology; D008876:Middle Ear Ventilation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D011336:Probability; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000494:pharmacology; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000379:methods*; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000188:drug therapy*
D012965:Sodium Chloride; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide; D019342:Acetic Acid