Ossiculoplasty with composite prostheses. PORP and TORP

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Otolaryngology
• Medical Device Design

Background:

• Traditional middle ear prostheses often utilize human tissue grafts or single synthetic materials.
• Limitations exist with current implants, including potential extrusion and the need for donor tissue.
• Combining material properties offers a potential solution for improved prosthesis design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the design and development of a novel composite prosthesis for middle ear reconstruction.
• To evaluate the feasibility of using a combination of hydroxyapatite and Plastipore materials.
• To assess the potential of this composite prosthesis to eliminate the need for human tissue grafts.

Main Methods:

• Development of a composite prosthesis integrating hydroxyapatite and Plastipore.
• Intraoperative assessment of Plastipore's trim-ability.
• Evaluation of hydroxyapatite's direct contact compatibility with the tympanic membrane.
• Comparison of hearing outcomes and extrusion rates with established implants.

Main Results:

• The composite prosthesis successfully combines the benefits of hydroxyapatite (biocompatibility) and Plastipore (intraoperative handling).
• Elimination of human tissue requirement is achieved with the synthetic composite.
• Initial hearing results and extrusion rates are comparable to existing middle ear implants.
• The design allows for direct contact with the tympanic membrane using hydroxyapatite.

Conclusions:

• The designed composite prosthesis offers a promising synthetic alternative for middle ear reconstruction.
• This novel design eliminates the need for human tissue, simplifying the surgical procedure.
• The comparable hearing and extrusion outcomes suggest clinical viability for this biomaterial implant.