Anatomic, physiologic, and proteomic consequences of repeated microneedle-mediated perforations of the round window membrane.

We demonstrate that repeated microneedle perforation of the RWM is feasible, allows for complete healing of the RWM, and minimally changes the proteomic expression profile. Thus, microneedle-mediated repeated aspirations in a single animal can be used to monitor the response to inner ear treatments over time.