Patent ID: 8641760

Claim:
A method of implanting an ossicular replacement prosthesis into the middle ear, the prosthesis having an elongate shaft with a first circumference, the shaft having first and second ends, the middle ear having an intact stapes with an upper portion having a larger second circumference, the method comprising: providing a prosthesis stabilizer; engaging with the stabilizer at at least three locations at least 180° apart on the second circumference of the upper portion of the stapes; and on the shaft, engaging with the stabilizer at at least three locations at least 180° apart on the first circumference of the shaft of the prosthesis, wherein when both the upper portion of the stapes and the shaft of the prosthesis are engaged, the shaft is engaged in contact with the middle ear at its first and second ends, and the shaft is coupled relative to the upper portion of the stapes through the stabilizer.