Everolimus-coated tympanostomy tube on rat tympanic membrane

Abstract Objectives Everolimus is an immunosuppressant and an antiproliferative macrolide agent which is used for coronary stent coating for local inhibition of in-stent restenosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of everolimus-coated tympanostomy tubes in rat tympanic membrane. Study design Prospective controlled animal study. Materials and methods Twenty-one Sprague-Dawley rats were included in the study. They were bilaterally myringotomized. An everolimus-coated fluoroplastic tympanostomy tube was inserted into one ear of each of the rats (everolimus-coated TT Group; n  = 21) and a standard fluoroplastic tympanostomy tube was applied to the contralateral ear of the same rats (Standard TT Group; n  = 21). Tympanic membranes and tubes were routinely examined otomicroscopically every other day for two months. Then the membranes were harvested and evaluated histologically. Results In everolimus-coated tubes, the tube obstruction was found to be significantly lower than in standard tubes ( p p Conclusion The study shows the potential role of everolimus-coating of tympanostomy tubes in reducing tube obstruction. In addition, inflammatory reaction and fibrosis were observed to be significantly less with these tubes.