title: Protection of tympanomeatal flaps using Visibility Background Material.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Over the years, various materials have been used by otologists to protect tympanomeatal flaps from damage by suction equipment or drills.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This report aims to describe the use of Mercian's Visibility Background Material (an inert, silicone-based material licensed for use in the human body, which does not get caught in drill flukes) to protect tympanomeatal flaps.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We have used this material for over 12 months, without any complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, UK. n.oozeer@googlemail.com
authors.forename: N B
authors.initials: NB
authors.lastname: Oozeer
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Iyer
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D012828:Silicones; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014433:Tympanoplasty / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D012828:Silicones