[Compatibility of glass-carbon implants in the middle ear--animal experiment studies]

28 tympanoplastic procedures with destruction and reconstruction of the ossicular chain were performed in rabbits. Vitreous carbon implants were used as prosthetic material. The animals were followed up from 14 days to one year. In 23 cases extensive inflammation of the middle ear mucosa was observed macroscopically. The histological findings were formation of an increasing fibrous capsule with duration of time, permanent foreign body reaction at the surface of the implants and missing formation of new bone or contact with bone respectively. Thus vitreous carbon seems to be a less promising material in middle ear surgery.