EarVENTed
Biodegradable stent for the Eustachian tube for the treatment of middle ear ventilation disorders
Project term: 2026-2029
Scientific project lead and coordination: Dr.-Ing. Kerstin Lebahn
EarVENTed is a collaborative project between the Institute for Biomedical Engineering at the University Medical Center Rostock and the Department of Otolaryngology at Hannover Medical School (MHH). The project aims to validate a biodegradable polymer stent for the treatment of Eustachian tube (ET) dysfunction through in vitro and in vivo testing.
The ET connects the nasopharynx to the middle ear. Its functions include ventilating the middle ear, protecting the middle ear from pathogens, and draining secretions. In a healthy tube, a bony portion is constantly open, while a cartilaginous portion is normally closed and opens, for example, when swallowing or yawning. Approximately two million people in Germany suffer from chronic Eustachian tube ventilation disorders, which are often accompanied by middle ear infections, discomfort, and even severe ear pain. To help patients and minimize potential long-term damage, the insertion of a stent into the Eustachian tube is a new, innovative option that restores ventilation of the middle ear. EarVENTed is therefore validating a biodegradable stent for safety and functionality when used in the Eustachian tube.
The EarVENTed project is funded under the VIP+ validation funding program of the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space.
