Evaluation of clinical parameters in FMT-application of a VSB at the short crus of the incus compared to conventional FMT-application

Introduction:

Application of the Floating Mass Transducer (FMT) of a Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) at the short crus of the incus is postulated to reduce surgery time as well as the complication and revision rate compared to conventional FMT-application. In addition, the aim of the present study is to investigate the audiological outcome of patients with FMT-application at the short process of the incus compared to conventional FMT-application.

Methods:

The present study retrospectively examined a total of n = 36 patients who received a VSB between 01/2015 and 08/2018 at the ORL-department of University Hospital Leipzig. In n = 12 patients (sample 1) the FMT was coupled to the short crus of the incus, in n = 24 patients (sample 2) to other middle ear structures. Audiological results were evaluated pre- and postoperatively in pure tone audiometry according to the AAO-HNS recommendations (1995) and also in speech audiometry with standard measurement of intelligibility (Freiburger, monosyllable) at 65 dB. In addition, the revision and complication rates as well as surgery time were analyzed.

Results:

The audiological result of sample 2 was significantly better postoperatively in both pure tone (p < .001) and speech audiometry (p =.012). Surgery time of sample 1 was significantly shorter (p =.002), but with a slightly increased, non-significant revision rate (p =.519). The complication rate of sample 2 was slightly higher, with no significant difference to sample 1 (p =.185).

Conclusions:

Compared to conventional forms, FMT-application on the short crus of the incus seems to have worse results in pure tone and speech audiometry, but is also associated with significantly shorter surgery time. There are no significant differences between revision and complication rates.

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 April 2019 (online)