Traditionally, tympanostomy tubes (aka pressure equalization or PE tubes, aka “ear tubes”) have been placed by ear, nose, and throat surgeons under general anesthesia in a surgical center or hospital. TULA is a revolutionary product that allows a select few surgeons on the cutting-edge to provide in-office tube placement in children.
How does TULA work?
Children come into the office as they would for any other doctor’s appointment with no need to fast prior. They sit, either by themselves or with a parent, while soft rubber ear plugs are placed and secured into each ear canal by Dr. Walker. The ear canals are then filled with lidocaine (a topical numbing medication). A low-level electrical current is then applied to the medication to promote uptake into the ear drum. Once the child’s ear drums after about 10 minutes, Dr. Walker places a device that inserts a tube in under a second.
What’s the difference between TULA and tube placement under general anesthesia?
The primary differences are:
- Fasting is required for general anesthesia, so children typically cannot eat or drink anything the morning of their procedure. Fasting is NOT required for TULA, and patients may even snack during most of the process.
- General anesthesia, while generally very safe, does come with some risk. The likelihood of a reaction from a local anesthetic with TULA is extremely low.
- Many children experience “emergence delirium” after general anesthesia, wherein they become inconsolably upset for a period of minutes to hours. TULA patients are not subject to these effects.
- Parents must separate from their children during tubes under general anesthesia, while they are in the room and an integral part of the procedure with TULA.
How can I decide if TULA is right for my child?
Dr. Walker has had 5+ years of experience counseling patients regarding TULA, making him one of the earliest adopters and most experienced surgeons in this revolutionary technique. He takes a collaborative approach to decision-making, involving the family and (when appropriate) the child. Some children are not great candidates based on their anatomy, disease process, or other conditions. Dr. Walker can guide families to decide which option (if any) is right for their child.
Is TULA covered by insurance?
Most insurers are now acknowledging and covering TULA. For more information, you may contact your insurance company and inquire regarding procedure code 0583T or ask our office staff for additional guidance.
Where can I learn more about TULA and ear tubes in general?
The manufacturer’s website can be found at www.tulatubes.com
To make an appointment to discuss with Dr. Walker, you may use our online self-scheduling option at www.nextwavekids.com or call our office at
609-696-5929.
