Tympanocentesis is the drainage of fluid from the

middle ear The middle ear is the portion of the ear medial to the eardrum, and distal to the oval window of the cochlea (of the inner ear). The mammalian middle ear contains three ossicles, which transfer the vibrations of the eardrum into waves in the ...

usually caused by otitis media, by using a small-gauge needle to puncture the

tympanic membrane In the anatomy of humans and various other tetrapods, the eardrum, also called the tympanic membrane or myringa, is a thin, cone-shaped membrane that separates the external ear from the middle ear. Its function is to transmit sound from the a ...

, also known as the eardrum. Main indication for tympanocentesis is failed treatment with antibiotics It is sometimes referred to as a "tap" and, when conducted twice as part of a clinical trial of medication, a "double tap."A study in which tympanocentesis is performed at study entry and during therapy.

References

* http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/Tympanocentesis-for-ear-infections * https://www.fda.gov/ohrms/DOCKETS/ac/01/briefing/3802b1_02_FDA.pdf Ear surgery {{Treatment-stub