Otologic safety of intratympanic N-acetylcysteine in an animal model.

Objective: N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an anti-oxidant and mucolytic effective against bacterial biofilms, making it useful in the treatment of chronically discharging ears that are unresponsive to traditional treatment methods. The objective of this study was to evaluate the otologic safety of intratympanic NAC combined with Ciprodex® in an animal model.

Methods: Baseline distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) and auditory brainstem response (ABR) measurements were performed for both ears on thirteen guinea pigs from the animal care research facilities of the McGill University Health Center.

Simulation of laryngotracheal reconstruction with 3D-printed models and porcine cadaveric models.

Objectives: Laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) is a complex operation used to treat subglottic stenosis. The use of simulator models is a valuable tool in surgical trainee education, particularly for operations such as LTR that are less common outside high-volume centers. Three-dimensional (3D) printing of the human airway may provide an effective and more accessible alternative to porcine cadaveric models.

Hybrid laryngotracheal reconstruction vs single and double stage: Indications and outcomes.

Objectives: To describe outcomes from laryngotracheal reconstruction and decannulation rates for patients undergoing single stage, double stage and hybrid staged procedures at a single tertiary care institution and evaluate if the 1.5LTR is a viable reconstructive option for patients with subglottic stenosis.

Study Design: Retrospective chart review.

Carotid artery mobilization prior to pharyngeal flap inset for patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.

The management of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) in patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) poses a significant clinical challenge due to presence of a large velopharyngeal gap and a relatively high rate of internal carotid artery (ICA) medialization. To our knowledge, we are the first group to have successfully managed VPI in a series of seven pediatric patients with 22q11DS with medialized ICAs via a novel surgical technique involving carotid artery mobilization followed by pharyngeal flap insertion.