A new self-retaining titanium clip stapes prosthesis.
OBJECTIVE
Crimping of the stapes prosthesis might result in injury to the incus. Attachment is often not tight. Facilitated fixation of a stapes prosthesis could improve surgery and provide more stable results.


METHODS
After the development of a unique titanium clip over a 6-year period (Kurz AG, Dusslingen, Germany) and reception of a CE mark, the first implantation was performed in September 2000. Full FDA approval was received in June 2002.


RESULTS
Only 60% of the circumference of the incus is touched by the clip permitting adequate mucosal blood supply to the lenticular process. Application of the prosthesis is quick and stable.


CONCLUSIONS
This new stapes prosthesis facilitates surgery and reduces operation time. There is no need for crimping anymore. Acoustic coupling is ideal due to the spring action of the self-retaining clip. Most surgeons have switched entirely to this prosthesis. Long-term results will be needed to prove the reduction of incus necrosis.
Wengen
Daniel F À
DFÀ
ORL-Praxis, Binningen, Schweiz.
D004548:Elasticity; D006801:Humans; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic; D009998:Ossicular Prosthesis; D010040:Otosclerosis / Q000601:surgery*; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D017755:Prosthesis Fitting; D013201:Stapes Surgery / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014025:Titanium
D014025:Titanium