Prospective study on the Eustachian tube function during Frenzel maneuver in a hypobaric/hyperbaric pressure chamber.
Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol
; 279(4): 1843-1850, 2022 Apr.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-34095963
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
The Frenzel maneuver describes a technique for middle ear equalizing which is frequently used by apnea divers. It offers advantages compared to the most commonly used techniques such as the Valsalva or Toynbee maneuver. Until now, there is insufficient literature about the pressure dynamics and Eustachian tube (ET) function during the Frenzel maneuver. The aim of the present study was to characterize the ET function during the Frenzel maneuver. MATERIALS ANDMETHODS:
By means of an established standardized profile of compression and decompression in a hypo/hyperbaric pressure chamber, we examined different parameters such as the ET opening pressure (ETOP), ET opening duration (ETOD), and ET opening frequency (ETOF) in 11 experienced apnea divers and compared them to the parameters during the Valsalva and Toynbee maneuver.RESULTS:
Standard values for ETOP, ETOD, and ETOF could be established for the Frenzel maneuver under standardized conditions in a hypo/hyperbaric pressure chamber. Compared to the Frenzel maneuver, ETOP was higher and ETOD longer (both p < 0.001) during the Valsalva maneuver whereas ETOP was lower and ETOD shorter (both p < 0.001) during the Toynbee maneuver. No difference regarding ETOF was observed between the Frenzel, Valsalva, and Toynbee maneuver.DISCUSSION:
The Frenzel maneuver was shown to be at least as effective as the Valsalva maneuver concerning ET opening. We believe that knowledge of the Frenzel technique might facilitate the pressure equalization during diving and recommend implementation of an appropriate equalization training in apnea and scuba diving education.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Mergulho
/
Tuba Auditiva
Tipo de estudo:
Observational_studies
Limite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2022
Tipo de documento:
Article