Use of the electrode positioner results in lower T-levels and M-levels in children with the Clarion version 1.2 cochlear implant, consistent with results of previous studies in adults, and reduces across-patient variability for these measures. It is unclear from the present data whether use of the electrode positioner systematically reduces intraoperative EABR thresholds.

The technique of tracheal reconstruction with costal cartilage or a pericardial patch has resulted in successful management of many patients with tracheal stenosis. Yet, it is often difficult, if not impossible, to harvest enough cartilage in a neonate. Pericardial patches are flimsy and can collapse. This pilot study evaluated the use of absorbable plates made of an alloplastic material, Lactosorb, as a substitute for cartilage on a growing porcine trachea. The rectangular plates were fashioned into an inverted U and placed into the airway through an anterior tracheal split. This placement resulted in granulation formation and failure. The plates were then fashioned into an I configuration and placed inside and outside the tracheal lumen. This attempt also resulted in failure, secondary to respiratory distress. Finally, the plates were fashioned into an inverted U and placed outside the trachea. In 67% of the subjects, the distraction was maintained and growth continued for the duration of the study. The stent was completely absorbed, with minimal scar or granulation tissue, in 4 months. In 1 subject, the stent migrated, and 1 subject died of a mucous plug. This study suggests that Lactosorb has no role in intraluminal stenting, but that it may be a viable alternative to a pericardial patch or cartilage in tracheal reconstruction when it is placed outside the airway lumen in a young animal.

manic injection with heat-killed NTHI. Primary antibodies included NaϩKϩ-ATPase ␣1, epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), gap junction protein beta 2 (GJB2), aquaporins 1, 4 and 5, claudin 3 and 4, potassium voltage-gated channel (KCNQ1), and potassium inwardly-rectifying channel (KCNJ10). Sections were then observed and photographed with a fluorescence microscope and compared. RESULTS: The most prominent staining ion channels in the normal middle ear included aquaporins 1, 4 and 5, claudin 3, ENaC and NaϩKϩ-ATPase. GJB2, KCNJ10 and KCNQ1 had only moderate staining, while no staining occurred with claudin 4. The inflamed middle ear epithelium showed expected cellular hypertrophy, but with no loss of channel expression. ENac, NaϩKϩ-ATPase, KCNQ1 and KCNJ10 showed increased staining of the mucosal surface of tympanic membrane. Aquaporin 4, claudin 3 and 4 and GJB2 demonstrated abnormal staining of inclusion bodies within the cytoplasm of epithelium on the mucosal surface of the tympanic membrane. CONCLUSION: These findings imply significant ion and fluid movement mechanisms exist within the middle ear and are altered in the setting of acute inflammation. Further elucidating these transport processes may allow for improved medical treatment of effusions present after acute otitis media and chronic effusions leading to protracted ear disease. Dennis Bojrab, MD (presenter) Laser Contraction Myringoplasty: Long Term Follow-Up Study