Abstract
Our 1981 prospective study confirmed the success of semipermeable membrane tubes in ventilation of middle ears, while protecting them from moisture when the patients bathed or swam. That study employed modem membrane tubes, with membrane-pore size 2.5 to 5 times greater than tubes used in early studies with less favorable outcomes. Currently, 21 patients with effusion had placement of a Donaldson design (Xomed, Inc., Jacksonville, Fla.) membrane tube in one ear and the new T-grommet membrane tube in the second ear. The T-grommet membrane tube is found to outlast the Donaldson design tube significantly. We recommend Donaldson membrane tubes for patients having tubes placed for the first time. For subsequent procedures, we employ T-grommet membrane tubes. We also use the T-grommet membrane tube for adults with chronic eustachian tube problems. Both tubes continue to show a low Incidence of complications and draw highest praise from patients for their water-resistant capabilities.
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