A practical use of a 16-gauge peripheral angiocatheter as an aspiration cautery in endoscopic ear surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To define a technique for the practical use of a 16-gauge peripheral venous catheter as an insulated aspiration cautery in endoscopic ear surgery.


METHODS
Retrospective case review.


METHODS
Tertiary referral center.


METHODS
A 16-gauge intravenous catheter was prepared as a cauterization instrument with aspiration. After simple rearrangement of the exterior plastic portion, it was connected to a suction system. With the help of an unipolar cautery, aspiration of the blood and homeostasis was achieved.


RESULTS
Hemorrhage of the external ear canal skin after incision can be easily coagulated with this instrument. During follow-up, there were no wound infection, facial nerve paresis, scar formation, and inadvertent burn of the external canal and auricular skin.


CONCLUSIONS
With the help of this instrument, bleeding control during incision can be easily maintained. It is a simple, easily prepared, and alternative homeostasis technique in endoscopic ear surgery.
*Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Ministry of Health Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey; †ENT Department School of Medicine, Karabuk University, Karabuk, Turkey.
Ali
A
Ozdek
Kemal
K
Keseroglu
D002425:Cautery / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004424:Ear Canal / Q000601:surgery*; D004427:Ear Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D013506:Otologic Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D062666:Vascular Access Devices