Tympanic-ossicular prostheses and MEMS technology: whats and whys.
CONCLUSIONS
Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology fulfils the requirements of implantable middle ear devices and consequently it becomes an excellent option to design and develop the related transducers.


OBJECTIVE
To present a summarized overview of the fundamentals of mechanical technologies in relation to middle ear implants research.


METHODS
Analysis of the possibilities, limitations and practical applications of MEMS as regards the research, development, transference and fabrication processes.


RESULTS
MEMS is a new technology with the potential to develop small integrated mechanical and electronic systems that share many processes of integrated circuits technology and its wide application potential. Middle ear prostheses are essentially special implantable transducers that mimic the properties of the tympano-ossicular system: electromechanical systems that deliver low energy pulses safely and efficiently into the labyrinth fluids. They primarily require: active mechanisms to preclude potential damage levels; minimum energy consumption; adequate dimensions for the middle ear; and biotolerable materials. Additionally, development and translational aspects of the selected technology are of utmost importance in this field.
Urquiza
Rafael
R
Laboratory of Experimental Otology, Research Institute, Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Costa del Sol and University of Malaga, Spain. rurquiza@uma.es
López
Javier
J
Gonzalez-Herrera
Antonio
A
Povedano
Valerio
V
Ciges
Miguel
M
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004432:Ear, Middle; D006801:Humans; D055617:Micro-Electrical-Mechanical Systems; D055616:Microtechnology; D009998:Ossicular Prosthesis; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D014432:Tympanic Membrane