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Innovative Otolaryngology Technology

The otolaryngology and rehabilitation experts at DMC are bringing remarkable new procedures to the DMC. Select a topic below to learn more.

Acoustics and Speech Aerodynamics

Often used in research, our specialized ENT facilities are designed with the best of acoustic technology, allowing physicians and researchers to better understand your condition and prescribe effective treatment. TOP

Advanced Videostroboscopy

Using advanced videostroboscopy equipment, DMC otolaryngologists take high-resolution photographs and slow-motion video of a patient’s vocal cords during speech. Since the vocal cords can vibrate as fast as 200 times a second, this technology is critical to evaluating vocal cord abnormalities, developing effective treatment plans and observing vocal cord dynamics after surgical procedures.  TOP

Audiology Testing

With audiometric testing on site, DMC otolaryngologists are able to diagnose and distinguish between simple, reversible hearing loss and more permanent, nerve-based hearing loss. TOP

Balance and Vertigo Analysis

The Hearing and Balance Center is home to technologies, including ENG (electronystagmography) and VAT (vestibular autorotation testing) equipment, which are frequently used to diagnose complex vestibular disorders. TOP

Balloon Sinuplasty

For patients with chronic sinusitis, Balloon Sinuplasty provides a minimally invasive alternative to conventional sinus surgery. Using this new technology, DMC physicians open blocked sinuses using a small, flexible balloon catheter and guide wire inserted through the patient’s nostrils. When gently inflated, the balloon opens the targeted sinus passageway and restores normal sinus drainage and function.

Compared to conventional sinus surgery, Balloon Sinuplasty offers a number of advantages, including increased safety and effectiveness, reduced bleeding and a faster recovery time. Additionally, Balloon Sinuplasty can be used with other medical treatments or surgical techniques and does not limit future treatment options for patients with progressive disease.

There are three (3) main steps to the procedure:

Step 1: Using the Balloon Sinuplasty system, the physician gently places a sinus guide catheter and a flexible sinus guidewire through the nostrils to access the target sinus. The sinus balloon catheter is then advanced over the sinus guidewire.
Step 2: The sinus balloon catheter is positioned across the blocked sinus opening and gently inflated.
Step 3: The Balloon Sinuplasty system is removed, leaving an open sinus passageway and restoring normal sinus drainage and function. TOP

Cochlear Implants

Our goal is to improve your quality of life, and for patients with hearing loss due to damaged cochlea, a cochlear implant could be the solution. A cochlear implant is an electronic device that relays sensory information past damaged sensory hairs in your cochlea. The device is implanted surgically and can greatly improve your ability to hear. TOP

Ear Microscopy

We offer ear microscopy, which allows your physician to zoom in and focus on specific areas of your ear. This magnification allows the precision necessary for your physician to examine and treat issues with your ear. TOP

Endoscopy

Physicians use specialized endoscopy tools to better treat your condition. Endoscopy tools are long, thin tools with a camera and light on the end that allow the physician to light up and see inside your body without major surgery. Some specialized endoscopy procedures offered at DMC include nasal endoscopy, laryngeal endoscopy, bronchoscopy and endoscopic airway reconstruction. TOP

Image-Guided Sinus Surgery

Detroit Medical Center ENT specialists use an advanced, electromagnetic image-guided system for sinus surgery. The procedure allows physicians to operate with the maximum amount of information about the unique anatomy of each patient and “see” the relative location of the surgical instrument tip inside the sinus during surgery.

Similar to a global positioning system, the procedure provides real-time images that can help the surgeon navigate inside the sinuses for precise removal of diseased tissue while avoiding critical areas. This type of image-guided surgery has become an industry standard for many endoscopic sinus surgeries. TOP

Radio Frequency Tonsillectomy

An alternative to traditional tonsillectomy, this procedure converts the energy from radio frequencies to decrease the size of your tonsils. Probes are inserted into the tissue of your tonsil, allowing your physician to provide treatment in a less painful, outpatient setting. Multiple treatments can be performed per your physician’s treatment plan. TOP

Tongue Force Physiology

Used to diagnose and treat conditions causing difficulty swallowing, tongue force physiology is a tool DMC otolaryngology experts use during the care of patients. TOP

Transoral Robotic Surgery for Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

The Department of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery at the Detroit Medical Center is pioneering the use of the da Vinci® Si HD Robotic Surgical System in the treatment of severe obstructive sleep apnea.

DMC offers transoral robotic-assisted surgery for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. While the preferred treatment for obstructive sleep apnea remains non-surgical treatment with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, robotic-assisted surgery is an impressive new option for patients who are not compliant with or cannot tolerate CPAP therapy.

In a large number of patients, the procedure may significantly reduce the frequency of airway blockages during sleep and may completely eliminate the need to use a CPAP device during sleep. In some cases, the surgery may not be able to reduce the frequency of airway blockage sufficiently to eliminate the use of a CPAP device. However, because the airway is now larger, these patients typically are able to tolerate the CPAP device better after surgery. TOP

Ear, Nose and Throat Services