OtoScan Laser-Assisted Myringotomy

Dr. Gatti is now performing a new laser office surgery that in many cases successfully achieves middle-ear ventilation without tubes and may substantially reduce the need for repeated courses of antibiotics in the treatment of otitis media in children. The laser surgery is also beneficial in adult otitis media.

The revolutionary OtoLAM^™ procedure is a highly successful treatment for acute and chronic otitis media with effusion in children that reduces or eliminates the drawbacks of other treatment methods. Among its chief benefits are:

	NO GENERAL ANESTHESIA. The procedure can be performed using topical anesthesia, avoiding the risks associated with general anesthesia.
	REDUCED ANTIBIOTICS. In a substantial number of cases, the need for multiple prescriptions for antibiotics is reduced or eliminated.
	EARLY INTERVENTION. Because it is a far less invasive procedure than conventional myringotomy, OtoLAM^™ can be performed earlier in the progression of acute or chronic ear disease, avoiding prolonged symptoms such as recurrent ear pain.
	IMMEDIATE PAIN RELIEF. OtoLAM^™ provides immediate draining of the infected ear, reducing pressure and giving relief of pain almost immediately.
	SAFETY. OtoLAM^™ is an extremely safe procedure with minimal, if any, adverse effects reported. Clinical outcome studies show patient satisfaction is good to excellent in 88% of cases.
	PARENTS REMAIN WITH THEIR CHILDREN. Since the procedure takes place in Dr. Gatti's office using topical anesthesia, parents can remain with the child throughout the procedure.
	SPEEDY PAINLESS PROCEDURE. Once the topical anesthetic takes effect, a precisely sized hole (1 mm to 3 mm in diameter) is created by the laser in the eardrum in just 0.1 second. There is little or no pain.
	HIGH SUCCESS RATE, FEW RECURRENCES. Otitis media is often resolved after one procedure, greatly reducing the number of chronic cases. If the disease does persist, the procedure can be safely an easily repeated.
	MINIMAL AFTERCARE RESTRICTIONS. Other than placing ear plugs in the ears while showering or swimming for a few weeks after the procedure, there are no restrictions on a patient's activities.
	SAVES TIME AND MONEY. OtoLAM^™ is time and cost effective. Parents do not have to take repeated time off from work, and children miss minimal amounts of school time. Anesthesia and operating room hospital fees are eliminated.
	"CONTROLLED" MIDDLE-EAR VENTILATION. The laser-created eardrum hole remains open for a number of weeks. During this time, the middle ear stays ventilated, providing relief from pain. The underlying infection is given time to resolve and helps prevent recurring episodes. Prolonged ventilation with tubes, which may not be necessary in many cases, is thus avoided.