A new approach to endocochlear potential and potassium ion concentration measures in mini pig models

Mini pig models are large mammals and their ears are more similar with human beings in structure and development than other animals. However, the study on porcine ears is still in the initial stage and there is no description of an ideal operation approach to endocochlear potential and potassium ion concentration measurements. In this article, we describe a pre-auricular surgical approach to access the middle and inner ear for endocochlear potential and potassium ion concentration measures in mini pig models. Ten one-week old normal mini pigs were used in the study. The bulla of the temporal bone was accessed via a pre-auricular approach for endocochlear potential and potassium ion concentration measurements. The condition of the animals during the first post–experiment 24 h was observed. One animal died during surgery. The pre-auricular approach improved protection and preservation of relevant nervous and vascular elements including the facial nerve and carotid artery. So, the pre-auricular approach can be used for endocochlear potential and potassium ion concentration measurements with improved nerve and artery preservation mini pigs.