Investigation of Stent Prototypes for the Eustachian Tube in Human Donor Bodies

Chronic otitis media is often connected to Eustachian tube dysfunction. As successful treatment cannot be guaranteed with the currently available options, the aim is to develop a stent for the Eustachian tube (ET). Over the course of this development, different prototypes were generated and tested in ex vivo experiments. Four different prototypes of an ET stent and one commercially available coronary stent were implanted in the ET of seven human donor bodies. The position of the stents was verified by cone beam CT. The implanted ETs were harvested, embedded in resin and ground at 200 µm steps. Resulting images of the single steps were used to generate 3D models. The 3D models were then evaluated regarding position of the stent in the ET, its diameters, amount of squeezing, orientation of the axes and other parameters. Virtual reconstruction of the implanted ET was successful in all cases and revealed one incorrect stent placement. The cross-section increased for all metal stents in direction from the isthmus towards the pharyngeal orifice of the ET. Depending on the individual design of the metal stents (open or closed design), the shape varied also between different positions along a single stent. In contrast, the cross-section area and shape remained constant along the polymeric prototype. With the current investigation, insight into the behavior of different prototypes of ET stents was gained, which can help in defining the specifications for the intended ET stent

Aspects of urban cycling

Zugleich gedruckt veröffentlicht im Universitätsverlag der TU Berlin unter der ISBN (print) 978-3-7983-2510-4Die Texte dieses Bandes beschäftigen sich mit verschiedenen Aspekten des innerstädtischen Radverkehrs. Es handelt sich um Texte, die im Rahmen von Arbeiten innerhalb der TU Berlin am Verkehrswesenseminar entstanden sind. Die Themen reichen vom (regelwidrigen) Verhalten der Radfahrenden über ihre allgemeinen Anforderungen bis hin zu detaillierteren Betrachtungen zu Fahrradverleihsystemen, Abstellanlagen in Geschäftsstraßen und Koordinierung von Lichtsignalanlagen. Darüber hinaus werden die Fahrradkultur sowie die Radverkehrsförderung in europäischen Städten und ihre Übertragbarkeit näher betrachtet.The papers in this volume deal with various aspects of urban cycling. These papers originate from research and course work at the Technische Universität Berlin, chair Verkehrswesenseminar (Transportation Seminar). The topics of this volume range from cyclists' (transgressive) behavior and their general requirements to detailed views on bicycle rental systems, bicycle parking facilities in shopping streets and coordination of traffic signals. Furthermore, topics like cycling culture and cycling promotion in European cities and its transferability are covered in detail