Acoustic properties of different cartilage reconstruction techniques of the tympanic membrane

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

Objectives/Hypothesis: The use of cartilage in reconstruction of the tympanic membrane has been established especially in cases such as tubal dysfunction and adhesive processes. Cartilage offers the advantage of higher mechanical stability compared with membranous transplants but may alter the acoustic transfer characteristics of the graft. Apart from material properties, it can be assumed that, also, the microsurgical reconstruction technique might influence the sound transmission properties of the reconstructed tympanic membrane. The purpose of the study was to investigate the acoustic transfer characteristics of different cartilage transplants being typically used in different reconstruction techniques of the tympanic membrane. Methods: Cartilage plates of different thicknesses (1.0, 0.7, 0.5, and 0.3 mm), cartilage palisades, and cartilage island transplants of varying size were investigated by means of an ear canal-tympanic membrane model. In contrast to former single-point measurements, sound-induced vibrational amplitudes of the entire transplant were measured by scanning laser Doppler vibrometry (measuring points, n = 133) (PSV-200, Polytec, Waldbronn, Germany). Frequency response functions (displacement vs. sound pressure) of all measured points were determined in the frequency range of 200 Hz to 4 kHz for the different transplants. Results: Cutting thick cartilage transplants into thin plates or palisades decreased the first resonance frequency and increased its amplitude, reflecting improved sound transmission properties of the transplant. From an acoustical point of view, the 0.5-mm cartilage plate seems preferable compared with the palisade technique. Cartilage island techniques showed vibration characteristics superior to plate or palisade techniques. Conclusions: Apart from material characteristics, the sound transmission properties of the reconstructed tympanic membrane are strongly influenced by the reconstruction technique. The choice of the surgical technique should consider requirements based on mechanical stability and acoustic transfer characteristics of the transplant.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1769-1776
Number of pages8
JournalLaryngoscope
Volume112
Issue number10
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2002
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 12368613
ORCID /0000-0002-3061-0171/work/142241317
ORCID /0000-0003-3894-1175/work/148603721

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Cartilage, Middle ear reconstruction, Scanning laser Doppler vibrometry, Tympanic membrane

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