Self-retaining harpoon tympanostonomy tube with applicator

ABSTRACT

Objective: To describe a novel harpoon design for a low cost, self retaining tympanostomy tube with applicator used in a 38-year-old female for otitis media with effusion. Methods: a. Study design: Instrumental Innovation/Case Report b. Setting: Tertiary Hospital in Metro Manila Results: The tympanostomy tube was inserted under endoscopic guidance within 10 seconds, remained in place for two months with relief of symptoms, and spontaneously extruded by the seventh month of follow-up. Conclusion: The harpoon-designed tube with applicator provided ease of insertion and good anchorage in the tympanic membrane. Maximizing the use of a stylet-needle as both perforator and applicator simplified the tympanostomy and ventilating tube insertion procedures into a single maneuver. (Author)