Balloon Eustachian Tuboplasty

Balloon Tuboplasty

Although ear tube surgery is a relatively common procedure, surgery is not the first choice of treatment for adults that have developed Eustachian tube dysfunction due to prolonged rhinitis and sinusitis. The procedure of Balloon Tuboplasty has been recently approved by the FDA.  This procedure utilizes a balloon similar to that used in balloon sinuplasty to dilate the inflamed and blocked Eustachian tube which connects the middle ear to the nasal passage, and restore the body’s natural way of ventilating the middle ear.  The balloon is passed through the nasal passage to perform the procedure, and the eardrum is not disturbed. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, as an outpatient surgery.  Pain medication is not required after this procedure.