The History of Eustachian Tube Catheterization
Hee‐Young Kim · Journal of Otolaryngology-ENT Research · 2016
The aim of this paper is to present the thesis that the necessity of Eustachian tube catheterization can be rationalized irrespective of time, through a text summary of knowledges and discoveries by senior doctors for a long time.Focusing on concept development related to Eustachian tube catheterization from 1724 to 1861, its process can be subdivided into seven sub-themes: 1) Beginning of Eustachian tube catheterization for therapeutic reasons.2) Evaluation of the patency of the Eustachian tube.3) Normal state of the Eustachian tube as a prerequisite for normal hearing.4) Therapeutic test of inflation of the Eustachian tube.5) Eustachian tube catheterization for diagnostic reasons.6) Eustachian tube catheterization as a first step before artificial perforation of tympanic membrane.7) Toynbee diagnostic tube used with the Eustachian tube catheter.It is the time to revive the spirit and achievements of these trailblazers in the field of Eustachian tube catheterization, and moreover, to recognize the proposition that 'ideally normal middle ear cavity pressure with perfectly equal balance between both ears' is the core prerequisite before diagnosis and treatment for any symptom and disease as well as hearing loss.This concept should be also with the starting point of opening up the coming 'Digital Health Age'.