Abstract :
Materials used in ossicular replacement prostheses must demonstrate appropriate biological compatibility, acoustic transmission, stability, and
stiffness properties. Prostheses prepared using Teflon1, titanium, Ceravital and other conventional materials have demonstrated several problems,
including migration, perforation of the tympanic membrane, difficulty in shaping the prostheses, and reactivity with the surrounding tissues. We
have used two-photon polymerization for rapid prototyping of Ormocer1 middle-ear bone replacement prostheses. Ormocer1 surfaces fabricated
using two-photon polymerization exhibited acceptable cell viability and cell growth profiles. The Ormocer1 prosthesis was able to be inserted and
removed from the site of use in the frozen human head without fracture. Our results demonstrate that two-photon polymerization is able to create
ossicular replacement prostheses and other medical devices with a larger range of sizes, shapes and materials than other microfabrication
techniques
