Question
Have there been any advances in the surgical techniques for bone-anchored hearing systems?
Answer
For a long time the surgical technique employed was one that involved thinning of the skin and removing tissue around the implant site. Later, a linear incision technique, whereby a small straight line incision is made, was adopted by many surgeons in Europe and in the US. More recently, more and more surgeons are using a linear incision technique with minimal or no tissue removal. These surgeons are reporting better skin outcomes with this technique.
There are also, surgeons, particularly in the US, who have been using what we call a punch technique. They make a very small, circular 5 mm punch and put the implant and abutment in. Among the surgeons who perform the “punch” technique are Dr. Wayne Shaia from Richmond, Virginia and Dr. Daniel Coelho from Virginia Commonwealth University, also in Richmond. I always joke that Richmond is the punch capital of the world now. They are reporting good outcomes with this technique.
The linear incision technique with minimal or no tissue reduction, and the “punch’ technique aim to preserve as much soft tissue as possible. Often times these techniques are collectively referred to as “Tissue Preservation technique”. Long term data indicate that this technique results in quicker healing, better cosmetics, fewer postoperative complications, and shorter surgery time.
Thank you for your question. For information on bone anchored hearing systems from Oticon Medical, please visit www.oticonmedical.com or the Oticon Medical Expo Page on AudiologyOnline.
