Performance of personalised prosthesis under static pressure: Numerical analysis and experimental validation

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Otolaryngology
• Computational Mechanics

Background:

• Middle ear prostheses are crucial for hearing restoration after ossicular chain reconstruction (OCR).
• Static pressure fluctuations in the middle ear can compromise prosthesis stability and function.
• Optimizing prosthesis design requires understanding its mechanical behavior under physiological pressures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the performance of different middle ear prostheses under static pressure using numerical and experimental methods.
• To compare the efficacy of a columella-type prosthesis versus a prosthetic incus in reconstructed middle ears.
• To assess the potential of Finite Element (FE) analysis in predicting prosthesis response and optimizing surgical outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Development and validation of a Finite Element (FE) model of the human middle ear using cadaveric temporal bone data.
• Simulation of static pressure conditions within the ear canal and middle ear cavity.
• Analysis of stapes and umbo displacements, sound transmission, and stress distribution for different prosthesis types.

Main Results:

• The prosthetic incus demonstrated superior sound transmission to the inner ear compared to the columella-type prosthesis.
• The prosthetic incus exhibited more favorable stress distribution patterns on the tympanic membrane (TM).
• FE analysis accurately predicted prosthesis responses, validating its use for further investigation.

Conclusions:

• A prosthetic incus offers improved biomechanical performance and stability in middle ear reconstruction.
• Computational analysis, specifically FE modeling, is a valuable tool for prosthesis design and predicting OCR outcomes.
• This approach can help minimize risks of prosthesis displacement and reduce experimental costs in middle ear surgery.