[Superelastic nitinol stapes prostheses]

Abstract

SUPERELASTIC NITINOL STAPES PROSTHESESINTRODUCTION: Many different prostheses are available for stapes surgery. The newly designed Nitinol piston band-shaped stapes prosthesis could minimize postoperative complications due to its new superelastic characteristic and design.

Patients and methods: A stapedectomy and implantation of superelastic Nitinol piston stapes prosthesis was performed in 22 patients with a mean age of 45.2 years. Examination and audiometry was performed pre- and postoperatively.

Results: The average observed air-bone-gap in all frequencies was 12.8 dB postoperatively, whereas in the frequencies 0.5-4 kHz ABG was under 10 dB in 68.2% of the patients, between 10 and 15 dB in 18.2% and between 15 and 20 dB in 9.1% of the patients. No patient showed air-bone-gap of more than 20 dB. One patient missed follow-up examination.

Conclusion: In stapes surgery the step of fixation of the prosthesis onto the incus is critical. Implantation of the new Nitinol piston stapes prosthesis is facilitated due to the superelasticity and the design of the prosthesis. Crimping is not needed anymore. Postoperative hearing results are very good comparable to other Nitinol (shape memory) or titanium prostheses. Long-term results in a larger number of patients will be studied in the future.