7. Preceptis Medical: Hummingbird tympanostomy tube system for office-based pediatric ear tube procedures
Preceptis Medical launched its second-generation Hummingbird tympanostomy tube system for office-based pediatric ear tube procedures in June 2021.
The Maple Grove, Minnesota–based company designed the device with an ergonomic design to allow for more efficient ear tube delivery in children aged 6-24 months. It allows ENTs to make an incision and deliver, position and place an ear tube using a single device in a single pass. It eliminates the need for general anesthesia and an operating room. The procedure takes about five minutes and only requires a topical anesthetic.
Ear tubes are designed to drain fluid from the Eustachian tube in the ear. They also allow air to get into the middle ear, according to Children’s Minnesota. The procedures are typically performed in the operating room under general anesthesia.
Read more about the device launch here.