Event Details

Title

Otology and Neurotology in the COVID-19 Era:
International Virtual Bootcamp Course on Endoscopic and Exoscopic Ear and Lateral Skull Base Surgery
 

Purpose

1. To review the rationale, patient selection and techniques essential for performing “heads up” endoscopic and exoscopic ear surgery.

2. To review the role of “heads up” ear surgery in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic.

3. To discuss risk mitigation strategies to patient and staff during the surgical management of otologic and neurotologic disease in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic.

4. Special session: Breakthroughs in Otology – To provide a panel discussion on novel drug and vector delivery approaches for inner ear regeneration

5. To have interactive panel discussions on relevant topics and illustrative cases in endoscopic and exoscopic ear surgery

6. To provide live cadaveric endoscopic and exoscopic ear dissection including demonstration of barrier drape design to reduce aerosol spread during ear surgery

7. To utilize advances in virtual reality to augment the review of surgically-relevant temporal bone anatomy

Participants

Comprehensive otolaryngologists, pediatric otolaryngologists, otologists, neurotologists
 

Description

Endoscopic ear surgery (EES) continues to emerge as an important modality for management of pediatric and adult ear disease. The increase in EES training opportunities coupled with refinements in instrumentation and ergonomics have enabled surgeons to manage routine and complex ear disease less invasively with outcomes similar to traditional postauricular microscopic approaches.

The application of extracorporeal digital microscopes or “exoscopes” to Otolaryngology is new but is poised to replace the microscope where two-handed dissection and a longer focal length are required. The exoscope is complementary to the endoscope and allows for heads-up surgical exposure and an immersive visual experience for transcanal cases where two-handed dissection is essential and for routine open cases (e.g. mastoidectomy and craniotomy) where the microscope would normally be used.

Unlike the microscope, the exoscope (similar to the endoscope) offers superior ergonomics for small or large corridor dissection.

This will be the first course in the world to offer virtual exoscope training for Otolaryngologists. Participants will understand how the exoscope complements the benefits of the rigid endoscope for ear surgery and receive an overview of different exoscope designs that are commercially available in the U.S. and abroad.

Our course will feature experienced faculty who are experts in the fields of endoscopic and exoscopic ear surgery. We will offer a broad overview of the state of endoscopic and exoscopic ear surgery. Didactic sessions will cover endoscopic ear anatomy, instrumentation and ergonomics, extensive discussion of surgical techniques with multimedia content, and strategies for incorporating endoscopes and exoscopes into practice using a case-based panel discussion format.

In addition, the role of heads-up ear surgery has important relevance during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Many otologic procedures are aerosol-generating and increase the risk of pathogen spread to surgeon and staff. The endoscope can be used to reduce the need for powered instrumentation and bony dissection, especially in chronic ear disease that does not involve the mastoid. The exoscope allows for a superior view of the field compared to the microscope, especially when using a full face shield or powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) hood.

Our course will feature a round table discussion on how to mitigate risk to otologic provider and staff during the era of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Live dissection sessions will also review of barrier drape designs for reducing spread of aerosols during exoscopic (or microscopic) surgery, and strategies for incorporating endoscopes and exoscopes into practice for high risk patients.

We will also have an exciting panel discussion from industry and academic leaders to provide an update on inner ear regeneration and otoprotection using novel small molecules and gene therapy.

Finally, live, cadaveric dissection demonstrations using endoscopes and exoscopes will be offered from two state of the art surgical training laboratories, allowing participants to virtually experience endoscopic and exoscopic techniques led by renowned international faculty.