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Laser-assisted fixation of a nitinol stapes prosthesis
Florian Schrötzlmair1, Fabian Suchan1,2, Thomas Pongratz2
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-, Nasen-und Ohrenheilkunde, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Marchioninistraße 15, München 81377, Germany.
Lasers in Surgery and Medicine
|November 3, 2017
Summary
Laser-assisted stapes prosthesis fixation using nitinol (NiTiBOND®) is feasible with minimal energy, particularly with diode lasers. This study details optimal laser parameters for safe and effective in vivo application in otosclerosis treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Otolaryngology
- Laser Surgery
Background:
- Otosclerosis causes progressive hearing loss due to stapes fixation.
- Laser-assisted fixation of nitinol stapes prostheses (NiTiBOND®) offers an alternative to manual crimping.
- Understanding laser-prosthesis interactions is crucial for safe and effective surgical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the thermo-mechanical properties of the NiTiBOND® prosthesis.
- To establish handling instructions for laser-assisted prosthesis fixation.
- To determine optimal laser parameters for prosthesis closure.
Main Methods:
- Ex vivo closure of NiTiBOND® prostheses using diode (940 nm) and CO2 (10,600 nm) lasers.
- Assessment of total energy required for closure.
- Evaluation of laser parameters: pulse duration, power, and fiber proximity.
Main Results:
- Diode lasers proved to be a suitable energy source for prosthesis closure.
- A total energy deposit of 60 mJ in near-contact application was sufficient for ex vivo closure.
- Laser fiber diameter should match the prosthesis band diameter, considering zonal composition effects.
Conclusions:
- The NiTiBOND® stapes prosthesis can be effectively closed with low energy using diode lasers.
- These findings suggest a potentially safe in vivo application for laser-assisted stapes prosthesis fixation.
- Further research into laser-tissue interactions is warranted for clinical translation.
