To calibrate nylon epidural catheters against glass capillaries for obtaining reliable volume yields and present the development and implementation of a translatable human perilymph sampling methodology which minimally impacts cochlear function.
This technique is currently a research tool for inner-ear biomarker discovery; no change to routine clinical or surgical practice is indicated at this stage, but it has significant potential to advance inner-ear diagnostics in the future.
Reliable intraoperative perilymph sampling could unlock inner-ear biomarker research, potentially transforming the diagnosis and monitoring of conditions like Ménière's disease and sensorineural hearing loss (nerve-based hearing loss).
- 01A calibrated nylon epidural catheter is used to safely collect perilymph (inner-ear fluid) during surgery.
- 02The technique is described in humans — a meaningful step beyond prior animal-only models.
- 03Safe sampling without inner-ear damage is the key technical claim.
- 04Published in European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology (2026).
- 05Opens pathways for studying inner-ear fluid biomarkers in living patients.
Calibrated nylon epidural catheters enable safe intraoperative perilymph sampling in humans without damaging inner-ear structures.
studypartially supportedThe technique is novel and represents a first-in-human application for this specific catheter-based perilymph sampling approach.
studyunclear- PMID
- 42265243
- DOI
- 10.1007/s00405-026-10256-2.
- Journal
- European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology
- Publication type
- research_article
- Evidence level
- 4
- Population
- Humans undergoing inner-ear surgery requiring intraoperative access
- Intervention
- Calibrated nylon epidural catheter for perilymph sampling
Primary outcomes
Feasibility and safety of intraoperative perilymph collection; Volume and quality of perilymph sample obtained