About the group
Otological research is aimed at creating new autologous tissue for implantation in vivo. We map genetic, structural and functional properties of cells cultured from human tympanic membrane tissue.
We want to develop regenerative medicine in otology by gathering knowledge about the ear's stem cells. We also aim to evaluate or improve current diagnostic methods for diseases of the ear (intraoperative laser and Doppler vibrometry). In addition, we want to improve the outcome of surgical treatments in ear surgery and ventilation tube treatment (drain)
Rhinological research is based on a quality register for operations in the nose and studies of chronic rhinosinusitis (the biofilm study).
The research on sleep apnea is discussed in a separate, interdisciplinary research group called "Sleep Heart and Respiration (SHeaR)". Go to their webpage for more information here (external page).
Projects
Ear
- Cultivating keratinocytes from the epidermis for better treatment of perforations in the tympanic membrane. Stem cells from human eardrums are cultured. Their characteristics; such as morphology, phenotype, viability, in addition to gene, protein and enzyme expression are mapped. The genetic code for the inherent ability to migrate ear keratinocytes has been identified and the associated protein expression analysed.
- A structural and functional study of epithelial cell regeneration from stem cells in human tympanic membrane.
- Will the shape and material of the ventilation tube (drain) affect the duration of the drain and the risk of complications? A prospective, randomized, comparative study of 800 ears with a four-year follow-up.
- Taste changes after disease and surgery in the middle ear. A clinical, prospective study of 300 ears where nerve function before and after the operation was analyzed by subjective and objective methods, as well as questionnaires on quality of life.
- Laser-Doppler vibrometric intraoperative measurement of auditory ossicle movement. A new method for measuring the movements of the auditory bone during surgery can help the surgeon to choose the most favorable technical solution in certain operations. The method is evaluated in the temporal bone in humans.
Rhinology
- The presence of biofilms in chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyposis. Biopsies taken from the nasal cavity during surgery and examined by confocal microscopy. The results are correlated with clinical symptom scores and histological parameters of the degree of inflammation.
- Treatment outcomes of facial fractures: a database has been created to examine the outcomes following conservative treatment versus surgical treatment of facial fracture.
Sleep apnea
- ASAP epidemiological cohort: Akershus Sleep apnea project (ASAP) 2 - Akershus University Hospital (ahus.no)
- ASAP clinical cohort: Obstructive sleep apnea - personalized medicine - Akershus University Hospital (ahus.no)
- Clinical treatment studies:
- Mild-moderate sleep apnea: Sleep apnea - technological treatment study - Akershus University Hospital (ahus.no)
- Severe sleep apnea: the "Beamer project"
- Patients with sleep problems after COVID-19
Cooperation and collaboration partners
The research group collaborates with several institutions and individuals, both nationally and internationally.
Otology
- Biomedical Physics Group, University of Antwerp, Belgia, Prof J.Dirckx
- Ear Science Institute of Australia and University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia, Professors M. Atlas and R. Dilley
- Inst. For Surgical Sciences, University of Uppsala, Sweden, Prof H. Rask-Anderssen
- Oslo University Hospital, T.P.Utheim, T. Lyberg and J.R. Eidet
- Dept. ENT, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Doc J. Silvola
- Epigen, Akershus University Hospital, Prof H. Nilsen
Rhinology
- Gregor Bachmann-Harildstad
Sleep apnea
- Department of Clinical Treatment Research, OUS, Prof. Toril Dammen
- Department of Neurosurgery, OUS, Prof. Per Kristian Eide