Polymeric middle ear prosthesis enriched with silver nanoparticles - first clinical results

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Otitis media frequently leads to ossicular destruction and conductive hearing loss.
• Middle ear prostheses offer a solution for reconstructing damaged ossicles.
• The Otoimplant is a novel bactericidal prosthesis for ossicular reconstruction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical performance and efficacy of the Otoimplant prosthesis.
• To assess hearing improvement and bactericidal properties of the new middle ear prosthesis.

Main Methods:

• Clinical trials involving three patients with chronic otitis media and interrupted ossicles.
• Reconstruction of the ossicular chain using the Otoimplant prosthesis.
• Preoperative and postoperative evaluation of audiological parameters (Air-Bone-Gap, speech audiometry) and microbiological assessment.

Main Results:

• A 36% reduction in the mean Air-Bone-Gap was observed across all patients after one year.
• No bacterial or fungal presence was detected in the middle ear post-implantation.
• Successful hearing improvement and functional recovery were noted.

Conclusions:

• The Otoimplant prosthesis demonstrates significant hearing improvement in patients with ossicular defects.
• The bactericidal properties of the Otoimplant contribute to a safe and infection-free middle ear environment.
• The study confirms the efficacy of the Otoimplant for ossicular reconstruction.