Retrospective Review of Tympanostomy Tube Performance of Hummingbird Tube Delivery System for Office-based Placement

Introduction: Office-based tympanostomy tube placement offers potential advantages over traditional operating room procedures by avoiding general anesthesia. This study evaluates tube retention, performance, and clinical outcomes following office-based tube placement in a pediatric population.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of pediatric patients who received office-based tympanostomy tubes using a commercial tube delivery device between June 2021-June 2025. Data was collected on patient demographics, follow-up duration, tube performance metrics, and tube-related sequelae. The primary outcome measure was tube retention over time, with secondary outcomes including complication rates. All data were collected and analyzed in aggregate, de-identified form.

Results: A total of 262 patients (505 ears) underwent tube placement, with 478 ears (94.7%) having follow-up. The median patient age was 1 year (mean 2.15 years, range 0-15 years). Tube retention demonstrated a median duration of 15-18 months, with 82-85% retained at 6 months, 62-65% at 12 months, and 32-39% at 24 months. Early extrusion (within 90 days) occurred in 5.9% of ears. Complication rates were tympanic membrane perforation 2.3%, tube plugging at first follow up 4.8%, otorrhea 16.9%, medialization 0.2%, tympanosclerosis 0.6%, and granuloma formation 1.9%.

Conclusions: Office-based tympanostomy tube placement using a tympanostomy tube device (Preceptis Inc.; Minneapolis, Minnesota) demonstrates tube retention and complication rates comparable to published outcomes for traditional operating room placement under general anesthesia, supporting its viability as an alternative approach for pediatric patients requiring tympanostomy tubes.