2010 Tympanocentesis Device for Use in Pediatric Exams

Team Members:  Trisha Bartlett, James Che, Francis Chen, and Elaine Lee

Capstone Client:  Wilbur Lam, MD, PhD, UCSF Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Pediatric Oncology Specialist

Purpose/Goal:
Tympanocentesis is the removal of fluid from behind the eardrum. Currently, a physician employs a special needle with a tube attached to collect the sample of fluid. A culture and sensitivity test is typically performed on the fluid sample. The capstone team introduced a new approach to tympanocentesis that allows the physician to achieve stable access to middle ear fluid with single handed device operation.

2010 pediatric medicine prototype