RESEARCH
CLINICAL
Research Laboratories
Dr. Durham
The main Otolaryngology research laboratory is located in the
Ralph L. Smith Mental Retardation Research Center (MRRC), in a
building adjacent to the hospital. This laboratory was established
by Dr. Durham to investigate biochemical and anatomical changes
in central auditory neurons following manipulation of auditory
input. The laboratory houses equipment for preparing tissue samples
for light or electron microscopy, including a cryostat and paraffin
microtome, as well as a temperature- and humidity-controlled room
for preparation of biochemical samples. The Otolaryngology department
employs a full-time histology technician, Virginia Morris, who
oversees the day-to-day operation of the research lab and is available
for training in histological techniques and a variety of tissue
processing.
Dr. Girod & Dr.
Tsue
Another laboratory houses physiological equipment that Dr. Doug
Girod brought to KUMC when he joined the Otolaryngology faculty
in July, 1994. Dr. Girod’s laboratory includes equipment
for controlled noise exposure of laboratory animals, as well as
a Nicolet Pathfinder II evoked potential system for measurement
of auditory evoked potentials.
Several institutional facilities supplement the resources outlined
above including a core facility for molecular biology currently
being established within the MRRC, which will contain facilities
for RNA and DNA analysis, PCR, in situ hybridization, etc. An AAALAC-approved
animal facility, located in an adjacent building, provides veterinary
support and housing for research animals. In addition, common use
procedure rooms for small animal surgery as well as a full-equipped
OR are available within the main animal facility. An electron microscopy
research laboratory (EMRL) is maintained by the institution for
use by all KUMC investigators. The facility houses 2 transmission
and one scanning electron microscope and employs 2 technicians
to manage the facility and prepare tissue samples.
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Clinical Laboratories
Vestibular Diagnostics
Laboratory and Vestibular Rehabilitation (Dr.
Ator)
Clinical evaluation of the auditory system is conducted in the
department's clinical area using four sound proof booths, audiometers,
and a hearing aid fitting and servicing area. Within the clinic
is a vestibular laboratory established by Dr. Gregory Ator. This
laboratory houses a Neurokinetics rotary chair, an Equitest posturography
platform, and a Nicolet Nystar ENG apparatus and other ancillary
equipment for the analysis of vestibular function in humans. A
Nicolet Viking evoked potential apparatus is available for intraoperative
analysis of evoked potentials and cranial nerve function.
Vestibular rehabilitation is a clinical service offered in the
main clinic area of the department. Patients with a variety of
disorders, peripheral and central, of the vestibular and balance
systems are treated. Research protocols aimed at determination
of the optimal approach to rehabilitation of these problems is
underway.
A variety of ongoing clincal studies evaluating the role of electrocochleography
in endolymphatic hydrops are underway in collaboration with Dr.
Ator. In additon, otoacoustic emissions are conducted by Dr. Judith
Widen in the Hearing and Speech department in an adjacent building.
Voice Disorders Laboratory (Dr.
Garnett and Dr. Reussner)
A laryngeal laboratory under the direction of Dr. Garnett houses
state-of-the-art equipment for video examination of the larynx
and analysis of EMG recordings and is located within the Otolaryngology
clinical area.
The laryngeal laboratory covers a full range of laryngeal diagnostic
services including stroboscopy, electromyography (EMG) services,
and other sophisticated laryngeal physiology examinations. A wide
variety of clinical disorders affecting the voice are treated in
the Center for Voice & Swallowing
Disorders.
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The University of Kansas Medical Center