12-month effect of middle ear pressure therapy with the EFET01 device for intractable definite Meniere's disease and delayed endolymphatic hydrops after certification by the public health insurance system in Japan

Acta Otolaryngol. 2022 Jun;142(6):491-498. doi: 10.1080/00016489.2022.2085325. Epub 2022 Jun 20.

Abstract

Background: Middle ear pressure therapy (MEPT) is effective for intractable vertigo in patients with definite Meniere's disease (MD) and treatment-refractory delayed endolymphatic hydrops (DEH). Four-month MEPT with the EFET01®, an MEPT device developed in Japan and covered by national health insurance since September 2018, has shown efficacy. However, efficacy and safety after 12 months of treatment, which is appropriate for determining the therapeutic effect of MEPT devices, is unclear.

Objectives: Examine the therapeutic effect of 12-month MEPT using the ETET01®.

Material and methods: Patients underwent MEPT using the EFET01® from September 2018 to July 2021. Thirty-three patients followed for >12 months were enrolled in this retrospective study. Clinical data were evaluated in the first and second 6-month treatment periods. Data from the second 6-month period were compared with data from an MEPT study using a different device.

Results: MEPT with the EFET01® significantly improved vertigo in the first period, with further improvement in the second period. The efficacy and safety were comparable to MEPT with other devices.

Conclusions: MEPT with the EFET01® is effective for intractable vertigo in patients with definite MD and DEH, and 12-month follow-up is recommended.

Significance: The efficacy of 12-month MEPT with the EFET01® was demonstrated.

Keywords: Japanese national health insurance; Meniere’s disease; delayed endolymphatic hydrops; intractable vertigo; middle ear pressure therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Certification
  • Ear, Middle
  • Endolymphatic Hydrops* / complications
  • Endolymphatic Hydrops* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Insurance, Health
  • Japan
  • Meniere Disease* / complications
  • Meniere Disease* / therapy
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Vertigo / drug therapy