The Yung percutaneous mastoid vent: results of a multicenter trial.

OBJECTIVE: The primary goal of the study was to find out whether the Yung vent would remain patent long-term. The secondary goal was to find out whether mastoid ventilation could overcome permanent ventilation disorder within the middle ear. STUDY DESIGN: The study was an open prospective investigation. SETTING: The study was a multicenter study involving three tertiary referral centers. PATIENTS: Twenty-three subjects older than 12 years were included. The inclusion criteria were complete atelectasis, failed tympanoplasty because of persistent eustachian tube dysfunction, and persistent otitis media with effusion in spite of repeated ventilation tube insertion. INTERVENTION: Tympanoplasty with insertion of the Yung percutaneous mastoid vent. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patency of the vent, adverse effects, patient acceptance, hearing results, and appearance of the tympanic membrane were assessed every 3 months up to 18 months postoperatively. RESULTS:: At 18 months, 20 of 23 vents were still patent. Overall, there had been no unacceptable adverse effect on any patient. Eighteen of 23 ears had improved hearing. The tympanic membrane had returned from a collapsed state to near normal in 13 of 17 completely atelectatic ears. There were five patients who had no benefit from the vent because of blockage within the epitympanum or middle ear effusion. CONCLUSION: The Yung percutaneous mastoid vent can maintain long-term patency. It is effective in the treatment of complete atelectasis as an adjunct to tympanoplasty.