First of a Kind Surgery in Virginia Performed at Saint Mary’s Hospital

November 1, 2016, Richmond, VA - Dr. Wayne Shaia performed the first minimally invasive surgery in Virginia today utilizing first-of-a-kind FDA approved medical device Acclarent AERA™, for the treatment of persistent Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD), at Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond, VA.

St. Mary’s hospital is the first hospital in Virginia to offer the surgery using the FDA approved Acclarent technology and treating a condition that can lead to extreme pain and long term complications in the ear.

“Until recently, patients with persistent eustachian tube dysfunction have been treated with rounds of repeated medical management, tubes, or invasive surgical procedures which only work to provide temporary relief of the symptoms of ETD”, said Dr. Shaia, Otologist/Neurotologist.
“Patients experience a range of problems such as ear ringing, ear fullness, ear pain, pressure, dulled hearing, and persistent infections.”

ETD is a condition affecting approximately 1 percent of adults in the U.S. and an estimated 10,000 adults in the greater Richmond area. This latest procedure provides surgeons and patients with an important minimally invasive option to help address the source of ETD. If left untreated, ETD can lead to serious conditions including middle ear effusion, infections, and long-term complications.

“The patient treated today with the Acclarent AERA® device had been suffering from persistent ETD for many years. This ground breaking procedure received excellent safety and outcome results during clinical trial, and provides an exciting new option to treat many patients in the community”, added Dr. Shaia.

Dr. Wayne Shaia of the Balance and Ear Center of Virginia, graduated from the Residency Training Program at the Medical College of Virginia, and then completed a prestigious 2 year fellowship at the Michigan Ear Institute. He regularly performs surgery at St. Mary’s hospital in Richmond, VA.

Acclarent announced on September 16th, 2016, the FDA clearance of the ACCLARENT AERA ™ Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation System, the first balloon dilation system designed for Eustachian Tube Dilation in the United States. ACCARENT AERA™ is designed to provide ENT specialists the ability to adapt to sensitive Eustachian tube anatomy with minimal risk and little trauma to the tissue.
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