Phylogeny of the Stapes Prosthesis

Abstract

An overview of the complicated phylogenetic tree for stapes prostheses gives great perspective to the history of stapedectomy and insights into many characteristics that are useful for designing new stapes prostheses.

Diagnostic Findings in Stapes Revision Surgery-A Retrospective of 26 Years

“…A wide variety of different prostheses has been used in stapes surgery for the past 50 years (1). After the replica (Teflon copy of a stapes) by Shea (2), materials such as polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon), and metals (including steel, gold, titanium, and nitinol), have been used as well as autogenous materials (cartilage and bone).…”

Modified laser‐assisted stapedotomy

“…Analysis of experience‐based differences in surgical performance has led to a reduction in the surgeon's reliance on handheld instruments during precise manipulations 15–17. The employment of both laser‐assisted fenestration18–21 and the development of self‐crimping prostheses have reduced surgical trauma and technical difficulties relating to manual fenestration and prosthesis crimping, respectively 22–24. Recently, the advantage of reversed‐order technique in reducing operative complications rate has also been demonstrated 25, 26.…”

Is there a “best” stapes prosthesis?

“…The procedure has progressed from total removal of the stapes footplate, to partial stapedectomy, and now to small fenestra stapedotomy using a microdrill or laser. Likewise, the choice of stapes prosthesis has changed over the years in terms of size, shape, and composition 1. The three most common prosthesis designs are the wire loop, piston, and bucket handle, although there are many variations on each.…”