2023 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 5-7, 2023 • Cincinnati, OH
10/27/2018 | 9:10 AM - 10:10 AM | Smart Grommets | Kramer Lecture Theater 3
Smart Grommets
Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a common condition in the paediatric population, contributing to the insertion of grommets or tympanostomy tubes being one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures globally. As a consequence of the above, OME presents a significant health care burden. The development of an alternative, cost effective technique for grommet insertion is necessary to aid the already burdened healthcare systems in developing countries, where OME prevalence is higher. We present a novel endoscopic smart phone based technique for grommet insertion.
The patient population included patients at Red Cross Children’s Hospital with persistent OME and documented hearing loss who were scheduled for routine bilateral grommet insertion. Ears were randomized left or right into groups according to the technique employed. Grommets were inserted using either a microscope or endoscopically using a smart phone. The SMART grommet technique uses a specialized cover designed to allow for an endoscopic connector to be attached over the camera aperture. A 3mm zero degree telescope is attached to the endoscopic holder. Lastly a specialized battery powered light source LED is attached to the endoscope. The zero degree endoscope is inserted into the ear canal following the same approach typically employed for endoscopic ear procedures for grommet insertion.
The use of the SMART Grommet technique can be successfully employed for the insertion of grommets. This technique with the use of the endoscope allows for better visualization of the tympanic membrane compared to the microscope therefore facilitating faster and more accurate insertion of the grommet. The SMART grommet technique is more time and cost effective compared to the microscope.
This method is both cost effective and time saving, making it a valuable addition to the toolkit of ENT’s working in a resource constrained environment.
- Grommets in developing world
- Use of technology in developing world
- Novel ways to save cost
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Presenters/Authors
Nicholas Goncalves
(), Department of Otolaryngology University of Cape Town , drnicgoncalves@gmail.com;
Registrar Department of Otolaryngology University of Cape Town
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
Darlene Lubbe
(), Department Otolaryngology University of Cape Town , docdlubbe@gmail.com;
Professor Department Otolaryngology University of Cape Town
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
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Nonfinancial -
Shazia Peer
(), Division of Otolaryngology, University of Cape Town, shaziapeer@gmail.com;
Paediatric Otolaryngologist,
Head - Division of Otolaryngology, Red Cross Children's Hospital, Cape Town
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -