Utilization of nickel-titanium shape memory alloy for stapes prosthesis

A new type of stapes prosthesis made of nickel-titanium shape memory alloy wire was developed and its biocompatibility was examined in 24 ears of 12 cats. The prosthesis was implanted at the long crus of the incus. The incus was examined 27-355 days after operation. In 23 ears, the prosthesis was found macroscopically well implanted at the aimed position. In one ear the prosthesis was found to be dislocated and in another the prosthesis was slightly loosened. The incudes were removed and five specimens were prepared for scanning electron microscopy and the other specimens were observed under light microscopy. Histological studies revealed severe bone resorption of the long crus in the dislocated case and moderate bone resorption in the slightly loosened case. These bone resorptions were found to be caused by the inadvertent removal of the mucosal membrane during the implant operations. In seven ears under a light microscope and in one ear under a scanning electron microscope, slight bone resorption as bone erosion was seen at the contact area of the prosthesis. This bone resorption was induced by the mechanical pressure of the prosthesis and was not progressive due to fading of the pressure of the prosthesis. With the exception of pressure induced bone erosions, there was no progressive bone resorption which was prosthesis induced. The biocompatibility of the nickel-titanium alloy stapes prosthesis with the long crus of the incus was proved. The prosthesis should be implanted loosely at the long crus of the incus without removal of the mucosal membrane.