Laser-assisted stapedotomy with a Nitinol heat-crimping prosthesis: Outcomes compared with a platinum fluoroplastic prosthesis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the hearing outcomes achieved with a Nitinol heat-crimping prosthesis when used with a laser-assisted stapedotomy for otosclerosis. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective assessment of 50 stapedotomies performed in 48 patients. Data collected included audiological results and duration of hospital admission. Outcomes were compared with a previously reported series of 66 stapedotomies performed in 59 patients. SETTING: Tertiary referral center and private practice. RESULTS: In the Nitinol group, hearing was improved in all cases (100%). The air-bone gap (ABG) was closed to within 10 dB in 48 (96%). This group's results are significantly better (P < or = 0.01) than those of the platinum fluoroplastic group, in whom ABG was within 10 dB in 74 percent. CONCLUSION: Laser-assisted stapedotomy, under local anesthesia with sedation, using a Nitinol heat-crimping prosthesis is a safe, well-tolerated technique with which excellent audiological results can be achieved.