Fig. 2
Intraoperative dilation of eustachian tube using an endovascular balloon. A–C Left orifice of the eustachian tube A the suction tip was brought to the orifice of the eustachian tube, the distal tip of the balloon could be visualized as white marker (solid arrow). B the suction tip was advanced slightly into the eustachian tube to facilitate insertion of the balloon. C the suction tip was retracted to visualize the distal end of the balloon—silver metal marker (dash arrow). D–F Right orifice of the eustachian tube during different steps of eustachian tube dilation. D the balloon was inflated to 12 atm after full insertion. E the balloon was deflated after 2 min. F the orifice is inspected after retraction of the entire system. The tip of the balloon (white) is visible