EUSTACHIAN TUBE DILATION 

ABOUT EUSTACHIAN TUBE DILATION

Balloon Dilation of the Eustachian Tube(s) is also known as Eustachian Tube Dilation. Eustachian Tube Dilation is a minimally invasive procedure to treat chronic obstructive Eustachian Tube Dysfunction associated with ear pressure, ear fullness, and chronic middle ear infections. Patient may be a candidate for this procedure when medical management such as decongestants, antihistamines, and nasal sprays fail to resolve symptoms.

This innovative FDA-approved procedure involves briefly passing a high-pressure balloon through the nasal opening and into the cartilaginous portion of the Eustachian Tube. This pressurized balloon targets pressure upon swollen and thickened tissue in the Eustachian Tube, guiding it through a process called controlled ischemia. By minimizing the supply of blood and oxygen to the tissue, the swollen and thickened mucosal lining becomes a thinner layer of fibrous tissue that results in a more open and less congested Eustachian tube.

This procedure takes approximately an hour to complete in a comfortable office setting without the need for general anesthesia, hospitalization, or long recovery times. Dr. Yu has been a pioneer in the cutting-edge procedure since 2015. Eustachian tube dilations have been an effective alternative to the traditional myringotomy (incision in the eardrum), both with and without the insertion of a tympanostomy tube.