Ventral Approach to the Rat Middle Ear for Otologic Research

Objective: To describe a simple approach to the rat middle ear because there are few clear descriptions of this technique with minimal morbidity and mortality.

Study Design And Setting: Six male Long-Evans rats were used in this study. We designed a cervical approach to the middle ear with the purpose of creating an experimental model of ossiculoplasty that permits the postoperative survival of the animal.

Results: It was possible in all cases to visualize the majority of structures of the tympanic cavity: promontory, round window, stapedial artery, stapes, incus, and tympanic membrane. There were no cases of postoperative infection or facial paralysis.

Conclusions And Significance: The ventral approach to the rat middle ear is a rapid and simple technique that makes the rat the animal of choice for many otologic investigations.