Tympanocentesis
Encyclopedia
Tympanocentesis is the drainage of fluid from the middle ear
by using a small-gauge needle to puncture the tympanic membrane, also known as the eardrum.
It is sometimes referred to as a "tap" and, when conducted twice as part of a clinical trial of medication, a "double tap."
Middle ear
The middle ear is the portion of the ear internal to the eardrum, and external to the oval window of the cochlea. The mammalian middle ear contains three ossicles, which couple vibration of the eardrum into waves in the fluid and membranes of the inner ear. The hollow space of the middle ear has...
by using a small-gauge needle to puncture the tympanic membrane, also known as the eardrum.
It is sometimes referred to as a "tap" and, when conducted twice as part of a clinical trial of medication, a "double tap."