Publications
Advancing Pediatric ENT Care
Research & Publications: Dr. Kathy Chauvin
Dr. Kathy Chauvin believes that being a great doctor means never stop learning. In addition to seeing patients, she has dedicated years to clinical research and studying the history of medicine in New Orleans. Her work is focused on finding better, easier ways for the body to heal itself and understanding how our local healthcare system has grown to serve the community over the centuries.
Healing Eardrums Without Surgery
One of the most common ear injuries is a hole in the eardrum, known medically as a "tympanic membrane perforation". Traditionally, fixing a large hole requires a surgical procedure called a tympanoplasty, which can involve significant hospital costs and risks. Dr. Chauvin’s research, published in the journal Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, explored a simpler alternative: using special growth-accelerating eardrops to help the eardrum grow back on its own without a scalpel.
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In this study, Dr. Chauvin compared three natural healing agentsHyaluronic Acid (HA), Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF), and Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)—to see which closed eardrum holes the fastest. The results were highly encouraging, showing that Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) was incredibly effective, closing 100% of the tested eardrums within just 21 days. This research identifies EGF as a prime candidate for future clinical use, potentially allowing patients to fix their hearing with simple office-based treatments rather than an expensive hospital stay.
Preserving New Orleans Medical History
Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Chauvin has published important historical research regarding the legacy of Charity Hospital. Published in The American Surgeon, her article "Charity Hospital: An Annotated Account of the First One Hundred Years" tracks the institution’s journey from its 1736 origins as a small wooden building for the poor through a century of fires, hurricanes, and immense growth. By documenting how the hospital evolved into a world-class teaching facility for schools like Tulane, Dr. Chauvin helps us appreciate the deep roots of healthcare in our community and the long-standing commitment to treating those in need.
Schedule an Appointment
If you’re concerned about your child’s nose and sinuses , we’re here to help.No referral required. Referrals are welcome. Call our office to schedule with Dr. Kathy Chauvin at 985-945-2677 , or CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment.