C12346: Middle Ear Implant SensorNovelty:
A piezoelectric sensor for monitoring compressive load and verifying proper sound conduction in middle ear implants to provide surgeons with real-time feedback regarding implant fit and positioning during surgery.
Value Proposition:
According to the World Health Organization, global incidence of middle ear-related hearing disorders amount to 4.76 cases per 1000 individuals. It has been reported that over 20% of ear implant surgeries require revision surgery after initial implant installation due to improper placement, as there are currently no intraoperative measures to predict post-operative prosthesis efficacy. This technology allows surgeons to accurately verify optimal implant placement during middle ear implant surgery, preventing incorrect implant placement and the need for revision surgeries. Additional advantages of this sensor include:
• Allows physicians to intraoperatively verify the likelihood of hearing restoration
• Integrates sensor with middle ear implant to increase effectiveness and ease of use
• Consists of newly discovered class of smart piezoelectric materials that address both DC and AC audio signal components
Technical Details:
Johns Hopkins researchers developed a piezoelectric sensor to monitor compressive load and verify proper sound conduction during middle ear implant hearing restoration surgery. The piezoelectric sensor material generates a measureable voltage response proportional to the compressive force acting on the sensor and the attached implant. Appropriate applied compressive load on the implant is critical to effective hearing restoration. The piezoelectric Poly(y-benzyl a,L-glutamate) film or fiber sensors can be used to create a sensing layer on the implant that will measure the force being applied along the shaft of the ear implant device. The force present on the implanted device is transmitted to the film along the shaft and then to electrodes, from which the output voltage can be recorded. The current prototype consists of the smart piezoelectric material embedded in a titanium implant. When the implant is positioned between the malleus and stapes bones, the piezoelectric sensor generates a voltage proportional to the compressive force on the implant.
Looking for Partners:
To develop & commercialize the technology with new or existing middle ear prostheses and other implantable devices.
Stage of Development:
Proof of Concept
Data Availability:
Prototype
