Hearing relief through stents: Magdeburg scientists receive recognition for their research

The University of Magdeburg research team, in collaboration with the University Clinic for Neuroradiology, has made significant strides in the field of medical research. Their groundbreaking work on pulsatile tinnitus, a distressing form of ear noise that rhythmically rushes in time with the heartbeat, has been awarded the "Best European Publication 2025" prize at the European congress ESMINT.

Janneck Stahl, a scientific employee at the Institute for Medical Technology at the University of Magdeburg, led the research project. He emphasized the great need for research on pulsatile tinnitus due to its debilitating effects on patients' quality of life.

The Magdeburg team used high-resolution image data and rotational angiography to create detailed computer models. They simulated the insertion of a virtual stent, demonstrating its potential to stop the cause of pulsatile tinnitus. The results showed a more uniform flow and decreased mechanical stress on the vessel wall, leading to measurably calmer hemodynamics with decreased flow velocity, pressure difference, and the disappearance of chaotic vortices.

The pulsatile tinnitus symptoms can be traced back to a physical cause: sinus stenosis, a narrowing of a brain vein. By inserting a stent, the team aimed to provide clear mechanical evidence that a vascular stenosis can cause pulsatile tinnitus and that a minimally invasive intervention has a chance of success.

The Magdeburg research project was recognised by experts in neurointervention for its innovative therapeutic approaches and clinical efficacy. The European Society of Minimally Invasive Neurological Therapy (ESMINT) awarded the "Best European Publication 2025" prize to the Magdeburg research for their work on pulsatile tinnitus and the use of a stent.

The prize was awarded on September 2025, 16:30 Uhr. In addition, a specialized clinic for pulsatile tinnitus patients has been established at the University Clinic for Neuroradiology, furthering the team's goal to help more patients with this innovative method.

The study by J. Stahl et al. (2025) was published in the Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery and the research findings were published by our website KNOWLEDGE / RR. The Magdeburg team continues to work on further developing gentle, non-invasive imaging diagnostics to continue making strides in the treatment of pulsatile tinnitus.