Investigating the tympanic membrane blood supply: A preliminary cadaver study

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the arterial and venous vascularization of the tympanic membrane (TM) with coloredvessel embalming procedure in fresh cadaver heads, as a guide for minimally invasive tympanoplasty procedures.Patients and Methods: This study was performed on two fresh frozen cadaver heads (4 ears, 1 male, 1 female). After vesselembalming procedure the TM was examined with rigid endoscopes and the mini vascular plexuses of the TM and external auditorycanal were observed.Results: There is increased vascularization of the posterior superior part of the TM, and the main blood supply derives from themallear region. The posterior half of the tympanic membrane has richer perfusion compared to the anterior half.Conclusion: Awareness of the vascular pattern of the TM allows modification of manipulations during tympanoplasty; the poorlyvascularized anterior part of the TM must be protected for successful graft healing.