Biomechanical Modeling and Design Optimization of Cartilage Myringoplasty Using Finite Element Analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the acoustic transfer characteristics of cartilage for optimal cartilage myringoplasty. In order to do so, we developed a cartilage plate/tympanic membrane-coupled model using finite element analysis. Cartilage specimens of the tragus were obtained from fresh human cadavers, and the parameters of the tragus were determined by curve fitting and cross-calibration. A cartilage plate was used to repair an eardrum perforation, and the new coupled tympanic membrane-cartilage complex was loaded into our 3-dimensional biomechanical model of the middle ear for analysis. Our results show that first the β-damping value of the cartilage plate depends on frequency. The value of β damping was close to 3 × 10^–4 s at lower frequencies and 5 × 10^–6 s at higher frequencies. Secondly, reducing cartilage thickness leads to an improvement of its acoustic transfer qualities. From an acoustics point of view, the 0.1- to 0.2-mm cartilage plate seems to be most preferable with regard to tympanic membrane vibration. Furthermore, thicknesses of 0.2 mm at lower frequencies and 0.1 mm at higher frequencies were regarded as good compromises between sufficient mechanical stability and low acoustic transfer loss.

Middle Ear Mechanics of Cartilage Tympanoplasty Evaluated by Laser Holography and Vibrometry

“…Only a few studies have investigated the acoustics of cartilage TM grafts. Lee et al (3,4), using a finite element model analysis, suggested that a cartilage graft should be as thin as possible to optimize its acoustic characteristics. Zahnert et al (5) and Murbe et al (6) studied the acoustic properties of cartilage grafts in an experimental setting.…”

Smoothing for the Optimal Surface of a 3D Image Model of the Human Ossicles

“…Finite element analysis is utilized to determine the effect of middle ear diseases on the vibration of the ossicles, [2][3][4]20] and myringoplasty to optimize the thickness of the cartilage [21]. A 3D image model of the ossicles can be reconstructed from cadaver histology sections or from a computed tomography scan, and then converted into the finite element model.…”

Motion of the tympanic membrane after cartilage tympanoplasty determined by stroboscopic holography

“…Only a few studies have investigated the acoustics of cartilage TM grafts. Lee et al (2006, 2007) used a finite element model analysis to study such grafting techniques and, suggested that a cartilage graft should be as thin as possible. Zahnert et al (2000) and Murbe et al (2002) studied the acoustic properties of cartilage grafts in an experimental setting.…”