Observation of eardrum movements during quasi-static pressure changes by high-speed digital imaging.

Under specific quasi-static pressure conditions during the Valsalva manoeuvre, high-speed digital video pictures of eardrum displacements were recorded using an endoscope and a Kodak Image Ektapro 1000 Motion Analyzer. A new type of data interface enabled the complete videoclip to be saved and processed digitally, and, with special mathematical algorithms, it is possible to generate three-dimensional computer animations of eardrum movements under quasi-static pressure. The present study describes patterns of eardrum movements under static pressure changes (Valsalva manoeuvre). These patterns were consistent with the results of finite-element simulations of highly similar eardrum displacements reported by other workers.

High-speed digital videoimaging of fast eardrum motions during Valsalva maneuver.

Digital high-speed camera systems are used to record high-frequency video-clips. After adapting this technology to the analysis of eardrum motions, fast motions of the eardrum can be recorded using an endoscope. Under specific static pressure conditions during the Valsalva maneuver, recordings of eardrum motions were made. The use of a Kodak Image Ektapro 1000 Motion Analyzer allowed only conventional videosignal processing and storage. A new type of data interface made it possible to save and process the complete video-clip digitally. Using an image-processing workstation and special mathematical algorithms, three-dimensional computer animations of fast eardrum motions under static pressure can be generated. In the present study, several animations of fast eardrum movements are described. High-speed digital videoimaging is an adequate method to describe fast eardrum displacements under static pressure (Valsalva maneuver). It is possible to create visible timeshift images of separate eardrum parts during the fast Valsalva maneuver.

[Methodological aspects of observations of rapid tympanic membrane movements due to changes in static pressure (Valsalva maneuver) using digital high speech video recordings]. / Methodische Aspekte von Beobachtungen schneller Trommelfellbewegungen bei Anderung des statischen Druckes (Valsalva-Manöver) mittels digitaler Hochgeschwindigkeitsvideoaufnahmen.

BACKGROUND: CCD-high speed camera systems are used to record high frequency videoclips. Introducing this technology in the analysis of eardrum motions, fast motions of the eardrum can be taped using an endoscope. METHODS: Records of the eardrum were made under specific static pressure conditions during the Valsalva maneuver. Initial experience with the help of a Kodak image (I 3) Ektapro 1000 Motion Analyzer allowed only conventional video signal processing and storage. A new data interface makes it possible to save and process the complete videoclip digitally. RESULTS: Using an image processing workstation and special mathematical algorithms, three-dimensional computer animations of rapid eardrum motions on static pressure can be performed. The present study describes different animations of fast motion eardrum movements. CONCLUSIONS: Digital high-speed video imaging is a suitable method to describe rapid eardrum motions on static pressure (Valsalva maneuver). It is possible to visualize the motion of the eardrum over time on the fast Valsalva movement at high resolution.