Ep. 159 Eustachian Tube Dilation in the Pediatric Population with Dr. Dennis Poe

In this episode, host Dr. Ashley Agan discusses eustachian tube (ET) dilation with Dr. Dennis Poe, neurotologist and Professor of Otolaryngology at Harvard Medical School. First, the surgeons describe clinically meaningful differences between adult and pediatric ETs. Then, Dr. Poe reviews workup of pediatric ET disorders. Since inflammation accounts for most ET dysfunction, controlling comorbid allergies and/or performing adenoidectomy provides relief to some patients. For patients with continued symptoms, balloon dilation – now approved for children as young as eight years of age– directly counteracts obstructive inflammation in the tube lumen. To conclude, Dr. Poe describes how to select patients for, perform, and avoid complications of balloon dilation. --- CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR Acclarent AERA Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation System https://www.jnjmedtech.com/en-US/product/Acclarent-aera-eustachian-tube-balloon-dilation-system --- SHOW NOTES 00:00 - Introduction 04:03 - Understanding Eustachian Tube Anatomy 07:22 - Causes of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction in Children 12:53 - Examination and Diagnosis of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction 19:10 - Treatment Options for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction 27:05 - Avoiding Unpredictable Injury and Scarring During Balloon Dilation 31:51 - Contraindications and Precautions for Balloon Dilation 37:49 - Understanding Risks & Complications of Balloon Dilation 48:34 - Closing Remarks & Future Prospects --- RESOURCES Dr. Dennis Poe’s Harvard Profile: https://oto.hms.harvard.edu/people/dennis-poe BackTable ENT Ep. 40 – “Diagnosis & Management of Eustachian Tube Disorders with Dr. Dennis Poe:” https://www.backtable.com/shows/ent/podcasts/40/diagnosis-management-of-eustachian-tube-disorders American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Clinical Practice Guideline: Otitis Media with Effusion (Update): https://www.entnet.org/quality-practice/quality-products/clinical-practice-guidelines/ome/ “Complications of Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation: Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) Database Analysis and Literature Review,” Chisolm, P.F. et al: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10731503/