Round window perfusion dynamics: implications for intracochlear therapy.
OBJECTIVE
The treatments for inner ear diseases are evolving as the systemic administration of medication is replaced by novel intratympanic and intracochlear drug delivery. The current review explores the background and recent developments in this field.


RESULTS
Although still in various stages of clinical development, novel drug delivery techniques such as the Silverstein MicroWick, the round window microcatheter, biodegradable hydrogels, biopolymers, nanoparticles, newly designed cochlear implant arrays, osmotic mini/micro pumps, and reciprocating perfusion systems hold significant promise. Animal data suggest that sustained delivery systems have more reliable inner ear pharmacokinetics than both systemic administration and intratympanic injections.


CONCLUSIONS
As research scientists advance technologies for treating inner ear diseases, drug delivery techniques must keep pace. Viable treatment options for sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and vestibular disorders are on the horizon and may usher in a new golden age for otology.
Bowe
Sarah N
SN
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio 43212, USA.
Jacob
Abraham
A
D002404:Catheterization; D003051:Cochlea; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D007759:Labyrinth Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012405:Round Window, Ear / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D014432:Tympanic Membrane