The Feasibility of Eustachian Tube Dilation With a Standard Endovascular Balloon: A Comparative Cadaver Study

BACKGROUND Balloon dilation of the eustachian tube is a new therapeutic option for eustachian tube dysfunction. One of the limiting factors of wider adoption of this technique in many parts of the world is the high cost of the devices, in spite of regulatory approval of safety. OBJECTIVE Evaluate the performance and usability of standard less-expensive endovascular balloons for eustachian tube dilation in comparison to an approved device in a preclinical study. STUDY DESIGN Comparative cadaver feasibility study. SETTING University tertiary care facility. METHODS Ten eustachian tube dilations were performed with an approved eustachian tube dilation device. Ten other procedures were carried out with an endovascular balloon of similar dimensions. Cone beam computerized tomography was performed to evaluate the extent of dilation and possible damages. The lumen and mucosal lining were inspected endoscopically post-dilation. Volume measurements were compared before and after the procedure in both groups using contrast enhancement. RESULTS All 20 eustachian tube dilations were carried out successfully. No tissue damages could be identified on cone-beam computerized tomography or via endoscopic examination. There was a statistically significant difference of eustachian tube volumes between pre- and post-dilations, with no statistically significant difference between the devices. CONCLUSION Eustachian tube dilation with a less costly endovascular balloon achieved similar results to an approved eustachian tube dilation device. No damages or any other safety concerns were identified in a cadaver study.