Patent ID: 8906090
Filing Date: 2014-12-09
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. An auditory ossicle prosthesis, comprising: an elongated shaft having a proximate end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis; and a securing loop at the distal end of the shaft and having an outer diameter, the securing loop comprising a flat band material and having at least three inwardly projecting areas spaced apart from each other for providing flat bearing engagement with an oval-shaped member of an ossicular chain in a human ear by being disposed circumferentially around such an oval-shaped member, the securing loop having a central area radially inwardly of each of the three inwardly projecting areas, a first loop end secured to the distal end of the shaft, and a second loop end spaced from the shaft, one of the at least three inwardly projecting areas of the securing loop being disposed at the distal end of the elongated shaft and oriented to project inwardly and also being aligned with the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft for contacting an oval-shaped member of an ossicular chain, the second loop end and the distal end of the shaft together defining a slit-shaped aperture, the size of which is adjustable during installation of the auditory ossicle prosthesis to provide a force fit about an oval-shaped member of an ossicular chain, the auditory ossicle prosthesis being shaped such that an extension of the longitudinal axis of the shaft crosses the central area of the securing loop.