Balloon treatment for clogged ear tubes shows promise in small study
NCT ID NCT02123277
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested a balloon catheter to open blocked Eustachian tubes in 31 adults. The device is inserted into the tube and inflated to widen it. Researchers measured changes in ear symptoms over 14 months to see if the procedure provides lasting relief.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- balloon catheter
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a simple procedure to relieve ear pressure and hearing issues from blocked Eustachian tubes.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early study with only 31 people and no comparison group. Results may not apply to everyone, and the procedure carries risks like infection or injury.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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31 people
The number who actually took part.
- Start date
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May 2014
- Finished
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Dec 2017
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 80 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * patients between 20 and 80 years old * tubal score lower than 5 * patients who already used reference medical treatment Exclusion Criteria: * patients who already do a major surgery of middle ear * tympanic perforation * pregnant or breastfeeding woman. * patients who can't be follow during 14 months
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Gui de Chauliac Hospital
Montpellier, 34090, France