The objective of this study was to develop a method of cement microapplication using glass-ionomeric cement. The results of an experimental study to design a microapplication method of glass-ionomeric cement (Ionocem^®) are presented. Typical middle ear implant materials, as well as human temporal bones and middle ear ossicles, were used to test the efficiency of this application method. Two different versions of Ionocem^®, low and normal viscosity, were tested under different temperatures and with several application tools. Sufficient processing time could be achieved by cooling the cement down to 4°C. A subcutaneous insulin syringe with a milled-off tip proved to be cost-effective, efficient and versatile. Using this instrument, durable and secure cementation between the parts tested could be achieved. This method may be of significant importance in otologic research and microsurgical routine. In part 2, experimental animal results will follow, as the method portrayed was used to secure parts of a totally implantable middle ear hearing device.

An experimentally developed technique for microapplication of low-viscosity glass ionomeric cement (see part 1) was tested in animals over a 6-month period. The cement was used to firmly connect gold with titanium and gold with middle ear ossicles in 22 adult foxhounds. After a 6-month period of acoustic stimulation via parts of an implantable hearing aid, the finely applied glass-ionomeric cement was integrated in situ, stable and caused no adverse reactions. The microapplication technique used proved to be easy, effective and provided long-term stability.