Ear Tubes Without the OR: The Hummingbird System

As parents, when your little ones suffer from recurrent ear infections or persistent fluid behind
their eardrums, ear tubes often become a necessary conversation. Traditionally, this meant a trip
to the operating room (OR) for a surgical procedure under general anesthesia.

There is now a way to avoid that with the Hummingbird In-Office Ear Tube System, a
revolutionary approach that’s changing how Otolaryngologists (ENTs) decide on where to place
ear tubes in children. This innovative system allows for ear tube insertion right here in our office,
without the need for general anesthesia.

One of the biggest concerns and risks for ear tube surgery is the use of general anesthesia. While
generally safe, any anesthetic carries a small degree of risk, especially for young children. These
risks can include:

• Respiratory issues: Temporary breathing difficulties or coughing.
• Nausea and vomiting: Common side effects after anesthesia.
• Prolonged grogginess: Takes time for the anesthesia to wear off fully.
• Pre-operative fasting: Children need to fast for several hours before surgery, which can be challenging for little ones and make for a very fussy child

The Hummingbird system largely eliminates these concerns. The procedure is performed with
only a topical anesthetic applied directly to the eardrum. This means:

• No general anesthesia risks: Your child avoids the potential risks and side effects associated with being put to sleep.
• Parents can be present: If you are comfortable you can be in the room the whole time the procedure is being performed
• No fasting required: Your child can eat and drink immediately before and after the procedure
• Immediate return to normal activities: Because there’s no general anesthesia, your child can typically go back to their regular routine right after the appointment.

Beyond the clinical benefits, the Hummingbird in-office system offers substantial financial
advantages for families. Traditional ear tube placement in an operating room incurs a variety of
costs that are significantly reduced or eliminated with the in-office approach, including:

• Operating room fees: The cost of using a surgical suite is a major component of OR-based procedures.
• Anesthesia fees: The fees for the anesthesiologist and the anesthetic itself can besubstantial.
• Facility fees: Hospitals charge separate facility fees.

Studies have shown that shifting ear tube procedures from the OR to the office can result in
significant cost savings as well.

This means a less burdensome financial impact on your family, allowing your healthcare dollars
to go further.

The in-office Hummingbird procedure is quick, typically taking only about 5-10 minutes:

1. Preparation: Your child will be made comfortable, by being gently swaddled to
   minimize movement. Parents are usually welcome to stay in the room.
2. Numbing: A topical numbing agent is applied to the eardrum. This is usually the most
   painful part of the procedure and causes a slight burning on the ear drum that lasts for
   about 15-30 seconds
3. Tube Placement: Using the specialized Hummingbird device, the ENT surgeon creates a
   small opening in the eardrum and places the ear tube in a single, efficient pass.
4. Immediate Recovery: Your child can typically resume their normal activities right away.

The Hummingbird In-Office Ear Tube System is FDA-cleared for children 6 months of age and
older. While it’s an excellent option for many, candidacy will be determined by your ENT
specialist based on your child’s specific ear health and overall medical history.

If your child is experiencing recurrent ear infections or persistent fluid, we encourage you to
schedule a consultation with our office to discuss if the Hummingbird In-Office Ear Tube System
is the right choice for your family. It’s a modern, less invasive, and cost-effective solution
designed to bring comfort to your child and peace of mind to you.