A practical use of a 16-gauge peripheral angiocatheter as an aspiration cautery in endoscopic ear surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To define a technique for the practical use of a 16-gauge peripheral venous catheter as an insulated aspiration cautery in endoscopic ear surgery.

STUDY

DESIGN

Retrospective case review.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A 16-gauge intravenous catheter was prepared as a cauterization instrument with aspiration. After simple rearrangement of the exterior plastic portion, it was connected to a suction system. With the help of an unipolar cautery, aspiration of the blood and homeostasis was achieved.

RESULTS

Hemorrhage of the external ear canal skin after incision can be easily coagulated with this instrument. During follow-up, there were no wound infection, facial nerve paresis, scar formation, and inadvertent burn of the external canal and auricular skin.

CONCLUSION

With the help of this instrument, bleeding control during incision can be easily maintained. It is a simple, easily prepared, and alternative homeostasis technique in endoscopic ear surgery.