Common agents used to unblock blood clots within tympanostomy tubes: an ex vivo study and review of literature.

Objectives: To determine the efficacy of common solutions used to dissolve blood clots blocking tympanostomy tubes (TTs) of differing lengths and diameters.

Study Design: An ex vivo experimental study.

Methods: Ear models were built by the study investigator. Tympanostomy tubes were inserted into the models and blocked with blood clots. Test solutions were applied to the blood clots, and time for clearance was recorded via microscopic visual confirmation.

Results: Richards T-tube had higher odds of unclogging than collar button tubes (odds ratio: 2.37, 95% confidence intervals 1.02-5.54, p=0.042). Vinegar and 3% hydrogen peroxide were most effective for Richards T-tubes and collar button tubes, respectively.

Conclusion: Common solutions (vinegar and hydrogen peroxide) were more effective than antibiotic drops in clearing blood clot blocking TTs.