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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
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Investigating the Potential of Singly Curved Thin Piezoelectric Transducers for Energy Harvesting and Structural Health Monitoring
Published on: November 14, 2025
Potential nerve damage following contact with a piezoelectric device
Angelo Salami1, Renzo Mora, Barbara Crippa
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Genoa, Italy.
The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology
|May 19, 2011
Summary
Piezoelectric devices showed no nerve damage after 10 seconds of use in neck dissection surgery. Histologic data confirm selective action, reducing risks in otolaryngological bone procedures.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurosurgery
- Histopathology
Background:
- Cervical metastatic lymph nodes (N2b) often require radical neck dissection.
- Protecting adjacent nerves, particularly the spinal nerve, is crucial during these procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate potential nerve damage from prolonged piezoelectric device use.
- To assess the impact of different piezoelectric inserts and exposure times on axonal integrity.
Main Methods:
- Thirty patients with N2b cervical metastatic lymph nodes underwent radical neck dissection.
- The spinal nerve was exposed to ultrasonic activation (piezoelectric device) for 5, 10, and 20 seconds using OP3 and OT7 inserts.
- Axonal damage was histologically graded from 0 (no damage) to 3 (severe, extensive damage).
Main Results:
- Histologic examination revealed no perineurial or axonal damage after 5 and 10 seconds of ultrasonic activation with either insert.
- The study did not specify results for 20-second exposure, focusing on the absence of damage at shorter durations.
Conclusions:
- Histologic findings indicate the piezoelectric device has a selective action.
- This selectivity minimizes the risk of accidental nerve damage during otolaryngological bone surgery.
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