Mechanism of Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation in Minipigs.

Objective: In this study, in situ balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube (BDET) was performed using minipigs as an animal model to observe the dynamic process of damage and repair of the Eustachian tube mucosa and surrounding tissues.

Methods: The Eustachian tubes of 30 minipigs were divided into seven groups. The five groups included an immediate postoperative group, a 1-week group, a 2-week group, a 3-week group, and a 4-week group following 3 mm balloon dilation.

Advanced lightweight lightning strike protection composites based on super-aligned carbon nanotube films and thermal-resistant zirconia fibers.

Carbon nanotube films have drawn attention in the past decade as promising substitutes for aluminum or copper used in aircraft lightning strike protection (LSP) systems. Throughout this study, advanced lightweight lightning strike protection (LSP) composites are based on highly conductive super-aligned carbon nanotube films (SA-CNTFs) and a new isolation layer of zirconia fiber paper. The internal damage level of the composite laminate was assessed using a microfocus X-ray system and non-destructive ultrasonic techniques.