Auditory Tube Patency After Injection of Teflon Paste: An Investigation in Dogs

Abstract

THE CLINICAL entity of the abnormally patent auditory tube has been known since 1858.¹ Attempts to treat this condition have included insufflation of solutions and powders² and surgical measures,³ which proved to be unsatisfactory. Because a treatment is needed for this often distressing condition, one of us (J.L.P.) thought that a reliable and permanent cure might be produced by the peritubal injection of polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) prepared as a paste in glycerin, 50% by weight. Methods Eight mongrel dogs representing both sexes and weighing from 28 to 40 lb were used. Room air at a constant flow, as monitored by a flowmeter, was introduced into the airtight, sealed external canal and middle ear space through a generous myringotomy. The airtight seal of the external auditory canal was obtained by first threading a 12-F Foley catheter through a machined nylon cone which was permanently attached to a swivel on