Vibrant Soundbridge and Porous Polyethylene Auricular Reconstruction in a Single‑Stage Procedure

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Plastic Surgery
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Microtia with aural atresia requires complex surgical reconstruction for both ear anatomy and hearing.
• Current multi-stage procedures increase patient burden and treatment time.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and outcomes of a novel one-stage surgical approach.
• This approach combines Medpor auricular reconstruction with Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) implantation.

Main Methods:

• A single-stage surgery was performed on a teenage male with grade 3 microtia and atresia.
• The procedure included Medpor reconstruction, VSB implantation with Floating Mass Transducer attachment to the incus, and intraoperative audiological assessment.
• Utilized temporoparietal fascial flap and skin grafting for auricular reconstruction.

Main Results:

• The patient achieved excellent cosmetic results and significant hearing improvement (30 dB HL PTA).
• No surgical complications were reported.
• The patient reported high satisfaction with both functional and aesthetic outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The combined one-stage surgery is a safe and effective option for treating microtia with aural atresia.
• This approach offers significant functional and aesthetic benefits, reducing the need for multiple surgeries.
• Further research with larger patient groups and longer follow-up is recommended.