Prolonged middle ear ventilation: the right tube in the right place.

Premature extrusion of ventilating tubes continues to plague both doctor and patient. Migrating epithelium on the lateral surface of the drum has been identified as the principal cause of tube migration and extrusion. This information dictates insertion of a tube in an area where the migrating forces tend to keep the tube in place instead of encouraging rejection. When optimally placed, tubes specifically designed for long-term ventilation will function four times longer than randomly placed conventional tubes. The long-term ventilating tube in use since 1965 has been further refined. A notch and tab on the tube mate with a new inserter/suction device, and this combination permits precise placement through a small incision without tilting and twisting during insertion. Suction may be applied as desired to clear the lumen as the insertion tool is withdrawn.