Abstract

To assess the potential use of diode laser soldering to improve mechanical stability of middle ear reconstruction. The diode laser with a biological solder may offer benefits over traditional methods. We evaluated the strength of soldered bonds and a means to apply such a technique in the human middle ear.The strength of soldered junctions using fascia, cartilage, bone, and hydroxyappatite was evaluated in vitro. A diode laser (810-nm wavelength) and 50% albumin with 0.1% indocyanine green dye was used. Soldered bonds were compared to those obtained with adhesive alone. A fiberoptic delivery system was evaluated. Ten hydroxyappatite prostheses were soldered to the stapes in human cadaver temporal bones, and the force required to disrupt the bonds were measured.Statistically significant greater strength was obtained with soldering. Ossicular prostheses can be effectively secured to the stapes in a cadaver model.Soldering techniques show promise in middle ear reconstruction.

View details for DOI 10.1002/lsm.10091

View details for Web of Science ID 000178649100004

View details for PubMedID 12355568