OBJECTIVE To assess the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of transtympanic balloon catheter dilatation of the Eustachian tube (ET) in a cadaver model. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS A cadaveric study of 10 cadaver heads, which underwent unilateral transtympanic dilatation of the ET with a 3 × 20 mm balloon catheter with full endoscopic guidance and visualization. RESULTS Procedural safety was d...

Tracheal invasion is an uncommon complication of thyroid cancer, but it can cause respiratory failure. A rigid bronchoscope may be used to help relieve airway obstruction, but general anesthesia is usually required. Tracheal balloon dilatation and stent insertion can be performed without general anesthesia, but complete airway obstruction during balloon inflation may be dangerous in some patien...

PURPOSE To verify the results of balloon-catheter dilatation for the treatment of congenital lacrimal duct obstruction. To the best of author's knowledge this procedure has not been previously used in Brazil and deserves scientific studies. METHODS Children between 2 and 5 years old, with congenital lacrimal duct obstruction, were treated with balloon-catheter dilatation (Lacricath). Catheter...

The proximal optimizing technique (POT) -proximal balloon edge dilation (PBED) sequence for side branch (SB) dilatation with cross-over single-stent implantation decreases both strut obstruction at the SB ostium and stent deformation main (MB).

Onogi K, Saitoh E, Kondo I, Ozeki M, Kagaya H. Immediate effectiveness of balloon dilatation therapy for patients with dysphagia due to cricopharyngeal dysfunction. Jpn J Compr Rehabil Sci 2014; 5: 87-92. Purpose: To determine the immediate effectiveness of balloon dilatation therapy for patients with dysphagia due to cricopharyngeal dysfunction on videofluoroscopy (VFSS). Methods: The subjects...