Home › Cell Biology › Discovering Middle Ear Anatomy by Transcanal Endoscopic Ear Surgery: A Dissection Manual
Cell Biology JoVE (Open Access) Citable · DOI

Discovering Middle Ear Anatomy by Transcanal Endoscopic Ear Surgery: A Dissection Manual

DOI: 10.3791/56390-v
What you'll learn
  • ✓ Perform transcanal endoscopic insertion and navigation in the external auditory canal
  • ✓ Identify and elevate the tympano-meatal flap with proper anatomical landmarks
  • ✓ Recognize middle ear structures and ossicular chain anatomy via endoscopy
  • ✓ Execute atticotomy and ossicle removal using endoscopic visualization
Protocol

The aim of this article is to describe the methodology of exclusively endoscopic cadaveric middle ear dissection. Moreover, we aim to provide a comprehensive guide to endoscopic middle ear anatomy.

Difficulty
advanced
Total time
~2-3 hours per cadaveric specimen

Steps

1
Insert endoscope into external auditory canal

Carefully advance the endoscope through the external auditory canal toward the tympanic membrane. Establish clear visualization of the canal anatomy and positioning.

▶ 00:57
2
Elevate the tympano-meatal flap

Create and systematically elevate the tympano-meatal flap to expose the middle ear space. Preserve flap integrity while achieving adequate exposure of ossicular and mucosal landmarks.

▶ 01:52
3
Detach tympano-meatal flap from malleus handle

Carefully separate the tympano-meatal flap from the malleus handle using endoscopic instruments. Maintain clear visualization and prevent damage to surrounding middle ear structures.

▶ 03:31
4
Explore and document middle ear anatomy

Systematically examine visible middle ear structures including the ossicular chain, oval window, round window, and Eustachian tube opening. Document anatomical relationships via endoscopy.

▶ 04:36
5
Perform atticotomy and remove ossicles

Create an attic access point and carefully disarticulate and remove the ossicular chain (malleus, incus, stapes) under endoscopic visualization. Preserve anatomical specimen integrity.

▶ 07:03
💬 Comments coming soon