CliP Partial FlexiBAL
A partial prosthesis with an integrated micro ball joint
The Challenge of Imitating a Joint
Imitating the natural micro-movements of ossicular joints to compensate movements of the tympanic membrane has been a challenge since modern tympanoplasty prostheses were first introduced.
In addition, scar contractions and new tissue growth during the first months following implantation may influence the final positioning of prosthesis, tympanic membrane and affected middle ear structures. The tympanic membrane may adjust in various directions causing movements and forces that are known to pull or push the prosthesis headplate. With rigid implants this may cause dislocations, migrations or pressure points in contact areas.
Benefits
- Integrated micro ball joint automatically adjusts the prosthesis headplate to the angle of the tympanic membrane during placement
- Automatic balancing in response to level changes of the tympanic membrane
- Standardized safe coupling on stapes capitulum with proven CliP Design
- Pure titanium for maximum biocompatibility
- Tested future MRI safety up to 7.0 Tesla
The KURZ Option
CliP Partial FlexiBAL, with a micro ball joint in the headplate, has been designed to address these problems. The mobile joint causes the headplate to move with the tympanic membrane.
Tests have validated that these movements do not mitigate acoustic effectiveness as the prosthesis headplate and the CliP® remain in stable contact with the tympanic membrane and the stapes capitulum.
The prosthesis was developed in close conjunction with the university ENT clinics Cologne and Dresden, Germany.