A new method for OCT Imaging of the Eustachian tube

Abstract

For treatment decision of Eustachian tube (ET) dysfunction, a reliable diagnosis of the reason for this dysfunction is of interest. Imaging methods like CT or MRI do not show enough details today. Endoscopy is challenging but can show at least superficial structures at the pharyngeal orifice. To look into the deeper tissue layers vascular imaging methods like IVUS and OCT were evaluated already. But these procedures are not made and certified for this application and come with risks for the patient. To overcome this issue, we propose the use of an additional closed end guide catheter that can be advanced into the ET. An OCT catheter can be placed inside without touching the patient’s tissue. In this paper we evaluate this approach on a sheep cadaver head and a human cadaver head.

Keywords

• oct
• ivus
• ct
• imaging
• eustachian tube
• ent
• dysfunction
• chronic otitis media
• catheter