Kohlberg, Gavriel D.1,2; Lipschitz, Noga1,2; Greinwald Jr, John H.1,2; Choo, Daniel I.1,2
1 Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA;
2 Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
Introduction:
Specialized equipment in EES may advance the safety and efficacy of the field. We evaluated a novel ear endoscopic platform (Colibri Micro ENT Scope), characterized by a lightweight ergonomic design that is held similar to an otologic instrument and 120 degrees field of view.
Methods:
– Study Design: Six subjects of varying levels of Otolaryngology training (residents, fellows and attending) rated their experience performing middle ear tasks with a novel ear endoscope and a traditional 4 mm rigid endoscope on a cadaver.
– Setting: Cadaver lab
– Patients: Fresh cadaveric heads
– Interventions: Simulation of EES with novel ear endoscope and traditional endoscope
Discussion:
– Main outcome measures: Self-reported scoring using a 1-5 scale on the utility of both endoscopes for each task and for overall performance.
– Results: Subjects rated their experience with the novel endoscope significantly higher than the traditional endoscope on myringotomy with pressure equalizing tube insertion (5 vs 3.3, p<0.001), middle ear endoscopy through a tympanotomy (4.5 vs 2.3, p<0.01), ossicular chain visualization (4.4 vs 2.8, p<0.01), PORP placement (4.6 vs 2.6, p<0.001), image quality (4.6 vs 3.2, p = 0.03), visualization of anatomy (5 vs 3.8, p < 0.01), intuitive use of endoscope (4.8 vs 3.2, p = 0.001), feeling of safety during endoscopy (4.8 vs 3.3, p = 0.01) and ergonomics (4.7 vs 3, p = 0.004).
– Conclusion: Instrumentation specifically designed for EES may significantly benefit surgical performance across users of different skill levels through improvement of comfort, stability and safety.