ENT Treatments
eustachian tube dilation
Overview
What Is Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation?
Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation is an FDA-approved, minimally invasive procedure designed to clear a blocked Eustachian tube. The procedure involves inserting a small balloon into the Eustachian tube, inflating it, and widening the passageway without invasive surgery. If you’re suffering from muffled hearing or pain in your ear, the best Eustachian tube dilation surgeon in Los Angeles, Dr. Daneshrad, is here to help offer you relief.
Am I a Good Candidate for Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation?
Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is estimated to bother from one to five percent of the population. For a patient to have ETD, your occurrence of symptoms should be chronic. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you could be a good candidate for this procedure:
- The fullness of the ear
- Pain in the ear
- Muffled hearing
How is Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation Performed?
Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation is a minimally invasive procedure designed to relieve persistent eustachian tube dysfunction, and Dr. Daneshrad employs the Acclarent AERA™ system to perform these treatments with precision. This FDA-approved device is specifically designed to match the anatomy of the eustachian tube, offering a safe and effective way to restore normal function. The procedure is performed in a step-by-step process to ensure the best possible outcome.
Here’s how Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation in Los Angeles is performed:
1
Guide Catheter Insertion
Guide Catheter Insertion
Dr. Daneshrad gently inserts the AERA™ guide catheter through the nasal passage along the base of the nose. The catheter is angled to align perfectly with the opening of the eustachian tube.
2
Balloon Positioning
Balloon Positioning
Once the catheter is in place, the Acclarent AERA™ device is advanced through the guide catheter into the eustachian tube. The balloon continues to advance until a yellow marker on the device exits the catheter, or Dr. Daneshrad senses resistance — indicating the balloon has reached the narrow isthmus of the tube.
3
Balloon Inflation
Balloon Inflation
The balloon is carefully inflated inside the eustachian tube, gently pushing back its walls to widen the narrow section. The balloon remains inflated for about two minutes to ensure effective dilation.
4
Deflation and Removal
Deflation and Removal
After two minutes, the balloon is deflated and removed from the tube, restoring normal airflow and function. If needed, both eustachian tubes can be treated during the same procedure.
This precise and targeted approach allows for a smooth and efficient treatment of eustachian tube dysfunction, relieving symptoms like ear pressure, pain, and hearing issues.
benefits
Benefits of Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation
To gain FDA approval for this procedure, the Acclarent AERA™ system had to be shown effective in clinical studies.
Acclarent AERA™ showed these results:
High Success Rate
Achieved a 99.7% dilation access rate, ensuring the procedure is effective for most patients.
Improved Middle Ear Function
Significant improvement in the normalization of the tympanogram (a measure of middle ear pressure) from 13.9% in the control group to 51.8% after treatment.
Enhanced Quality of Life
Patients reported a greater improvement in quality of life, with 56.1% experiencing relief compared to 8.5% in the control group, based on ETD questionnaires.
What to Expect
FAQs About Eustachian Tube Dilation
Answers to common questions about FAQs for Eustachian Tube Dilation for treating ear conditions.
Can I use the Acclarent AERA System at home on my own?
No. The FDA has cleared this system only for use by ear, nose, and throat doctors in an office setting. Patients need to be under general anesthesia.
Is Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation a permanent solution To ETD?
These are new treatments, so no long-term studies exist on how long the dilated Eustachian tube remains open. Thus far, patients have shown excellent relief for over two years following this procedure.
What are the risks involved with Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation?
These have proven to be safe, low-risk procedures. Remember, the balloon simply pushes back the walls of the Eustachian tube. No incisions or sutures are required. Side effects include a slight nosebleed after the procedure. Trauma to the eustachian tube and the mucosa is possible. If the injury to the tube is significant, it could require the placement of a tube. These are FDA-approved procedures, so they have proven to be safe and effective.
Why Daneshrad
Find the Best ENT Surgeon for Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation in Los Angeles
If you struggle with persistent ear pressure, pain, or hearing difficulties caused by eustachian tube dysfunction, Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation could be the solution. Dr. Daneshrad, a renowned ENT specialist in Los Angeles, offers expert treatment using the Acclarent AERA™ system to provide lasting relief and improved quality of life. With two conveniently located offices in Santa Monica and Torrance and proudly serving patients from Venice, Marina Del Rey, Pacific Palisades, and Malibu, our clinic is committed to delivering personalized care tailored to your specific needs. Take the first step toward ear health — schedule your consultation today.
Daneshrad Clinic ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery
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Daneshrad Clinic ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery
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