Objective: To investigate the degree to which transnasal eustachian tube (ET) dilation balloon catheters are able to be passed through the ET in a cadaver model.
Patients and Interventions: A cadaveric study of 8 cadaver heads (16 ears), which underwent transnasal ETinsertion with a 3 20-mm balloon catheter with transtympanic endoscopic visualization and grading.
Results: Catheter tipincursionintothe protympanum or mesotympanum occurred in all ears. Radiological validation was obtained with correlation to published ET length data.
Conclusion: Middle ear incursion of balloon catheter tips can be demonstrated in a cadaver model and highlights the ongoing need for both caution in novel surgical techniques and evolution in de- vice design.
Key Words: Balloon dilation—Balloon eustachian tuboplasty— Cadaver dissection—Computed tomography—Eustachian tube.