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. 2021 Feb 2;6(2):325-331.
doi: 10.1002/lio2.533. eCollection 2021 Apr.

In-office insertion tympanostomy tubes in children using single-pass device

Theodore O Truitt  1 , James R Kosko  2 , Grace L Nimmons  3 , Jay Raisen  4 , Sandra M Skovlund  4 , Frank Rimell  5 , Shelagh A Cofer  6
Affiliations

In-office insertion tympanostomy tubes in children using single-pass device

Theodore O Truitt et al. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. .

Abstract

Objectives: Insertion of tympanostomy tubes (TT) is generally accomplished in children in the operating room under general anesthesia. We report on 229 children treated in-office with a novel device.

Methods: Investigators participated in an IRB-approved, prospective, single arm, multisite investigation of in-office TT placement in awake children. Topical anesthetic was applied, and protective restraint was used. TT placement was performed with a single-pass TT insertion device. Safety was assessed by monitoring procedural events.

Results: Four hundred and forty-four ears were treated in 229 children at 10 sites. Children were in age groups 6-24 months (n = 211, mean = 13 months) and 5-12 years (n = 18, mean = 8.3 years). Two hundred and fifteen children received bilateral TT placement, and 14 received unilateral placement. Overall, 226/229 (98.7%) children had successful TT placement in the office (209/211 in 6-24 months and 17/18 in 5-12 years). Three children were rescheduled for the operating room due to anatomical challenges or patient movement. Median procedure time for bilateral cases in both age groups was 4:53. Two minor adverse events (AEs) were reported in one patient. Per independent assessment of 30 procedure videos by clinicians, TT placement was tolerated acceptably by all children.

Conclusion: In-office TT placement in awake young children using topical anesthetic, enabled by a single pass delivery device, was safe, successful and well tolerated. The American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) recently released a Position Statement supporting in-office TT placement in appropriate children. These results affirm an in-office alternative for clinicians and parents who have concerns with the risk, inconvenience and cost of surgery in an operating room under general anesthesia.Level of Evidence: 2c.Clinical Trials Registration Number: NCT03544138.

Keywords: children; office; otitis media; tympanostomy tubes.

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Conflict of interest statement

Theodore O. Truitt—Preceptis Medical (Consultant); Stryker ENT (Consultant). James R. Kosko—None. Grace L. Nimmons—None. Jay Raisen—Intersect ENT (Consulting Services). Sandra M. Skovlund—Skovlund Medical Products (Founder); Inspire Medical (Consultant). Frank Rimell—Preceptis Medical (Consultant and Medical Director). Shelagh A. Cofer—None.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Tympanostomy tube used with the Hummingbird Tympanostomy Tube System
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Results from parent satisfaction survey
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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