Fiberoptic visualization of motion of the eustachian tube

Abstract

The use of fiberoptic endoscopy presents a viable method of examining the nasopharyngeal aspects of the eustachian tube. It involves a nontraumatic procedure and, if introduced transnasally, allows an extended, thorough inspection of the eustachian tube and surrounding structures. The rigis telescope (Storz) is particularly versatile with respect to the areas in the nasopharynx which can be visualized and the angles at which observations may be made. For research and training purposes, phenomena of the eustachian tube and nasopharynx in subjects who do not have openings in the face or hard palate may be studied using fiberoptic endoscopy. Cinematography and videotape recordings of observations provide permanent records, with or without sound, of the dynamic features of the area. The videoendoscopic technique described herein imposed no interference with the structures under observation. Both scopes used for the observations reported herein revealed a variety of movements of the pharyngeal aspects of the eustachian tube and surrounding structures. Endoscopic observations and human cadaver head dissection supported the contention that levator veli palatini acted upon either the torus tubarius or the torus tubarius-salpingopharyngeal fold complex. The mechanism underlying activity at the isthmus of the eustachian tube was not clarified using the methodology described herein.