Intraluminal three-dimensional optical coherence tomography - a tool for imaging of the Eustachian tube?

OBJECTIVES

The cause of Eustachian tube dysfunction often remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the feasibility and possible diagnostic use of optical coherence tomography in the Eustachian tube ex vivo.

METHODS

Two female blackface sheep cadaver heads were examined bilaterally. Three conditions of the Eustachian tube were investigated: closed (resting position), actively opened and stented. The findings were compared (and correlated) with segmented histological cross-sections.

RESULTS

Intraluminal placement of the Eustachian tube with the optical coherence tomography catheter was performed without difficulty. Regarding the limited infiltration depth of optical coherence tomography, tissues can be differentiated. The localisation of the stent was accurate as was the lumen.

CONCLUSION

The application of optical coherence tomography in the Eustachian tube under these experimental conditions is considered to be a feasible, rapid and non-invasive diagnostic method, with possible diagnostic value for determining the luminal shape and superficial lining tissue of the Eustachian tube.