Nitinol shape memory alloy to construct auditory canal in aural atresia surgery of 8 cases / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Methods to effectively overcome re-stenosis or atresia following reconstruction of external auditory canal are explored.OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of NiTi shape memory alloy netlike bracket to prevent the restenosis or atresia of newly constructed external ear canal in external canal atresia surgery. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: Case analysis of aural atresia patients from Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Third Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University was performed from January 2001 to June 2003. PARTICIPANTS: Eight cases of aural atresia were selected, including 5 patients with congenital aural atresia, and 3 with postnatal aural atresia. All cases had different degrees of conductive hearing loss. METHODS: All cases underwent external canals reconstruction by using NiTi shape memory alloy netlike brackets. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Diameter of newly constructed aural canal and pure tone auditory threshold. RESULTS: All the eight ears had a smooth and wide external ear canal during follow up. No restenosis of canal or cicatricial contracture was found. Pure tone auditory threshold of 7 ears had improved postoperatively. CONCLUSION: NiTi shape memory alloy netlike bracket has definite effect to prevent the restenosis or atresia of new constructed external ear canal.