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A New, Promising Experimental Ossicular Prosthesis: A Human Temporal Bone Study With Laser Doppler Vibrometry
Anton Rönnblom1, Kilian Gladiné2, Anders Niklasson3
1Department of Clinical Science, Otorhinolaryngology/Sunderby Research Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
Summary
The best sound transmission with a total ossicular replacement prosthesis (TORP) is achieved when it contacts both the malleus handle and the tympanic membrane (TM). A novel bird-type prosthesis performed comparably or better than existing designs.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Auditory Prosthetics
Background:
- Ossicular reconstruction is crucial for hearing restoration.
- Total ossicular replacement prostheses (TORPs) are used to bridge the ossicular gap.
- Optimizing TORP design and placement is essential for surgical success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare sound transmission across various total ossicular replacement prostheses (TORPs).
- To evaluate a novel TORP design inspired by avian columella structure.
- To identify optimal TORP placement for improved sound conduction.
Main Methods:
- Laser Doppler vibrometry was used to measure stapedial vibrations in human temporal bones.
- Eight common TORP configurations and a new bird-type prosthesis prototype were tested.
- Digital holography informed the design of the novel prosthesis based on human tympanic membrane patterns.
Main Results:
- TORPs making contact with both the tympanic membrane (TM) and malleus handle demonstrated superior performance across most frequencies.
- The newly designed bird-type prosthesis exhibited performance equal to or exceeding all tested conventional TORPs.
- Optimal placement involves utilizing the malleus handle when feasible.
Conclusions:
- Retaining malleus handle contact with the TORP and TM is key for optimal sound transmission.
- The promising results of the bird-type prosthesis indicate potential for further advancements in prosthesis design.
- Future research can focus on refining prosthesis designs to enhance post-surgical hearing outcomes.
