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3D-Printed Microneedles Create Precise Perforations in Human Round Window Membrane in Situ.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Chiang, H; Yu, M; Aksit, A; Wang, W; Stern-Shavit, S; Kysar, JW; Lalwani, AK
Published in: Otology & Neurotology : Official Publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [And] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology
February 2020

Three-dimensional (3D)-printed microneedles can create precise holes on the scale of micrometers in the human round window membrane (HRWM).An intact round window membrane is a barrier to delivery of therapeutic and diagnostic agents into the inner ear. Microperforation of the guinea pig round window membrane has been shown to overcome this barrier by enhancing diffusion 35-fold. In humans, the challenge is to design a microneedle that can precisely perforate the thicker HRWM without damage.Based on the thickness and mechanical properties of the HRWM, two microneedle designs were 3D-printed to perforate the HRWM from fresh frozen temporal bones in situ (n = 18 total perforations), simultaneously measuring force and displacement. Perforations were analyzed using confocal microscopy; microneedles were examined for deformity using scanning electron microscopy.HRWM thickness was determined to be 60.1 ± 14.6 (SD) μm. Microneedles separated the collagen fibers and created slit-shaped perforations with the major axis equal to the microneedle shaft diameter. Microneedles needed to be displaced only minimally after making initial contact with the RWM to create a complete perforation, thus avoiding damage to intracochlear structures. The microneedles were durable and intact after use.3D-printed microneedles can create precise perforations in the HRWM without damaging intracochlear structures. As such, they have many potential applications ranging from aspiration of cochlear fluids using a lumenized needle for diagnosis and creating portals for therapeutic delivery into the inner ear.

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Published In

Otology & Neurotology : Official Publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [And] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology

DOI

EISSN

1537-4505

ISSN

1531-7129

Publication Date

February 2020

Volume

41

Issue

2

Start / End Page

277 / 284

Related Subject Headings

  • Round Window, Ear
  • Printing, Three-Dimensional
  • Otorhinolaryngology
  • Needles
  • Humans
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Cochlea
  • Animals
  • 1117 Public Health and Health Services
  • 1103 Clinical Sciences
 

Citation

APA
Chicago
ICMJE
MLA
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Chiang, H., Yu, M., Aksit, A., Wang, W., Stern-Shavit, S., Kysar, J. W., & Lalwani, A. K. (2020). 3D-Printed Microneedles Create Precise Perforations in Human Round Window Membrane in Situ. Otology & Neurotology : Official Publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [And] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology, 41(2), 277–284. https://doi.org/10.1097/mao.0000000000002480
Chiang, Harry, Michelle Yu, Aykut Aksit, Wenbin Wang, Sagit Stern-Shavit, Jeffrey W. Kysar, and Anil K. Lalwani. “3D-Printed Microneedles Create Precise Perforations in Human Round Window Membrane in Situ.Otology & Neurotology : Official Publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [And] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology 41, no. 2 (February 2020): 277–84. https://doi.org/10.1097/mao.0000000000002480.
Chiang H, Yu M, Aksit A, Wang W, Stern-Shavit S, Kysar JW, et al. 3D-Printed Microneedles Create Precise Perforations in Human Round Window Membrane in Situ. Otology & Neurotology : Official Publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [And] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology. 2020 Feb;41(2):277–84.
Chiang, Harry, et al. “3D-Printed Microneedles Create Precise Perforations in Human Round Window Membrane in Situ.Otology & Neurotology : Official Publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [And] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology, vol. 41, no. 2, Feb. 2020, pp. 277–84. Epmc, doi:10.1097/mao.0000000000002480.
Chiang H, Yu M, Aksit A, Wang W, Stern-Shavit S, Kysar JW, Lalwani AK. 3D-Printed Microneedles Create Precise Perforations in Human Round Window Membrane in Situ. Otology & Neurotology : Official Publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [And] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology. 2020 Feb;41(2):277–284.

Published In

Otology & Neurotology : Official Publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [And] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology

DOI

EISSN

1537-4505

ISSN

1531-7129

Publication Date

February 2020

Volume

41

Issue

2

Start / End Page

277 / 284

Related Subject Headings

  • Round Window, Ear
  • Printing, Three-Dimensional
  • Otorhinolaryngology
  • Needles
  • Humans
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Cochlea
  • Animals
  • 1117 Public Health and Health Services
  • 1103 Clinical Sciences