Ventilation tube for a middle ear

摘要

A ventilation tube has a tubular member with generally circular flanges at opposite ends. Each flange has a respective tab that is angled obliquely to the axis of the tubular member. The tabs are diametrically opposite, and angled in opposite senses. Each tab has straight non-cutting edges tangential to its associated flange, and an arcuate nose portion. Each flange (may be used either for grasping the ventilation tube, or for insertion into an incision in a tympanic membrane, thereby permitting the ventilation tube to be used reversibly.