ABSTRACT
Objective To explore and assess NiTi shape memory alloys stent intraeustachian tube placement prevent and treat adhesive otitis media. Methods The patients were divided into 3 groups (A:56 cases of adhesive otitis media, B:27 cases of otitis media with effusion, C:52 cases as control). In all cases of eustachian orifices were inspected by endoscope. 2 autopsy eustachian tubes were dissected. NiTi shape memory alloys stent intraeustachian tube plasment was perfomed in 8 cases to prevent and treat adhesions of middle ear with seld-designed . Results The eustachian orifice can be divided into three types: wide, narrow and fissure like instolle. In group A, wide, narrow, fissure like showed 20, 31, 5; respectively in group B: 9, 13, 5; in group C: 45, 7, 0. There was significant difference in three gorup (A,B, versus C ? 2=29.66,25.44 respectively, P0.05). Autopsy of eustachian tube: cartilage length was 30 mm, trapeziform, floor width was 11 mm, tip width was 4 mm. 4 cases of adhesive otitis media gained good ventilation as during valsalva method with audiometry promotion 15-30 dB after NiTi shape memory alloys stent placements. Two of 4 cases of otitis media with refractory effusion, gained A-B gap close, follow up over 12 months; the other was good at valslva's and gave up ventilation tube. Eight case had no patulous and any side-effect after NiTi shape memory alloys placement. Conclusions Adhesive otitis media can be prevented and treated by placing NiTi shape memory alloys stent with no patulous or other side-effect.