A new human middle ear model for the biomechanical evaluation of a prosthesis for the ossicular chain reconstruction

Ismail Kuru, Mathias Müller, Konrad Entsfellner, Thomas Lenarz, Hannes Maier, Tim C. Lueth

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

The middle ear is a sophisticated mechanism which transmits sound waves from the outer ear to the inner ear, while it amplifies and filters the sound waves depending on their frequency. However, the sound path can be broken due to traumas, infections, ossification or alteration. In this case, the surgeons reconstruct the sound path with an implant, mostly with passive titanium prostheses. Developers need an environment to validate these implants. The current environment for this purpose is the human temporal bone from cadavers, which does not provide reproducible conditions for experiments. In this paper, we present a new anatomical human middle ear model. We have segmented the essential functional elements from μCT-data (micro computed tomography). We have reproduced the bony structures with a 3D printer and the soft tissues with silicone rubber casting. Our experiments show that the model transmits the sound waves from the tympanic membrane to the inner ear as in a human middle ear. We also present that the articulated ossicles are suitable to reconstruct the ossicular chain with different types of passive prostheses.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2014 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Biomimetics, IEEE ROBIO 2014
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages613-618
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781479973965
DOIs
StatePublished - 20 Apr 2014
Event2014 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Biomimetics, IEEE ROBIO 2014 - Bali, Indonesia
Duration: 5 Dec 201410 Dec 2014

Publication series

Name2014 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Biomimetics, IEEE ROBIO 2014

Conference

Conference2014 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Biomimetics, IEEE ROBIO 2014
Country/TerritoryIndonesia
CityBali
Period5/12/1410/12/14

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A new human middle ear model for the biomechanical evaluation of a prosthesis for the ossicular chain reconstruction'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this