title: Balloon catheter dilatation of Eustachian tube: a preliminary study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Eustachian tube dysfunction is a common problem and transnasal endoscopic balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube (ET) is a new surgical technique. The goal of this study is to review the evolution of this novel technique and study the preliminary outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Balloon catheter dilation of the 100 Eustachian tubes in 70 adults was performed at a tertiary medical center from January 2009 to January 2011. A 5-mm sinus balloon catheter was endoscopically placed transnasally into the proximal ET to dilate the cartilaginous ET. Cases were reviewed with respect to indications, outcomes, and complications.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 100 ETs, ear fullness and pressure were improved in 71% of patients studied for 26.3 weeks (± 3.6). Of 8 patients followed for a minimum of 34 months, 87% reported persistent improvement. One complication is reported.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Endoscopic transnasal ET balloon dilation is a novel approach to treating ET dysfunction. Benefits can be durable up to 3 years. This technique holds much promise and merits further investigation.
authors.affiliation: Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, St Elizabeth's Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02135, USA. peter.catalano@steward.org
authors.forename: Peter J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Catalano
authors.forename: Sashikanth
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jonnalagadda
authors.forename: Vivian M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Yu
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000758:Anesthesia; D004106:Dilatation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D004724:Endoscopy; D005064:Eustachian Tube / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007759:Labyrinth Diseases / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009296:Nasal Cavity / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D013506:Otologic Surgical Procedures; D010614:Pharynx / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult