Described here are expandable devices and methods for using them. The devices generally comprise a hub and a plurality of legs extending therefrom. In some variations, the hub may comprise one or more domed portions, tapered portions, or the like. The legs may comprise one or more straight segments, one or more curved segments, or a combination thereof. The devices may comprise one or more polymers, and/or one or more portions of the device may be configured to biodegrade. In other variations, the device may be configured to release one or more drugs therefrom. Additionally, in some variations the devices may be configured to be self-expandable from a low-profile configuration to an expanded configuration.

Methods for producing a custom-made stapes prosthesis for a patient and stapes prostheses so produced. The methods may include obtaining a three-dimensional image of a natural stapes bone of the patient; and forming a stapes prosthesis that closely approximates a three-dimensional shape of the natural stapes bone via an additive manufacturing technique based on the three-dimensional image. The stapes prosthesis comprises a suitable material that is not osteogenic and is not cytotoxic. The stapes prosthesis may include a plurality of pores having an average size of from about 5 to about 100 micrometers and may exhibit a frequency of sound transmission in a range of from about 2 to about 30 kilohertz.

Methods for producing a custom-made stapes prosthesis for a patient and stapes prostheses so produced. The methods may include obtaining a three-dimensional image of a natural stapes bone of the patient; and forming a stapes prosthesis that closely approximates a three-dimensional shape of the natural stapes bone via an additive manufacturing technique based on the three-dimensional image. The stapes prosthesis comprises a suitable material that is not osteogenic and is not cytotoxic. The stapes prosthesis may include a plurality of pores having an average size of from about 5 to about 100 micrometers and may exhibit a frequency of sound transmission in a range of from about 2 to about 30 kilohertz.

Certain embodiments described herein provide a method of performing an otological surgical procedure including surgically accessing a middle ear, injecting a perfluorocarbon liquid into the middle ear, and suctioning the isolated blood from the middle ear without removing the perfluorocarbon liquid. The perfluorocarbon liquid is immiscible with blood for isolating blood in the middle ear from the perfluorocarbon liquid. In certain embodiments, the perfluorocarbon liquid has a specific gravity greater than blood to apply positive pressure to surrounding tissues. In certain embodiments, the method includes suctioning the perfluorocarbon liquid from the middle ear after the isolated blood is removed.

Described here are expandable devices and methods for using them. The devices generally comprise a hub and a plurality of legs extending therefrom. In some variations, the hub may comprise one or more domed portions, tapered portions, or the like. The legs may comprise one or more straight segments, one or more curved segments, or a combination thereof. The devices may comprise one or more polymers, and/or one or more portions of the device may be configured to biodegrade. In other variations, the device may be configured to release one or more drugs therefrom. Additionally, in some variations the devices may be configured to be self-expandable from a low-profile configuration to an expanded configuration.

Presented herein are techniques for assessing one or more outcomes associated with implantation of one or more electrodes into the inner ear of a recipient.

The disclosure relates to winged graft devices, methods of manufacture, and methods of use to repair, e.g., repair perforations, in tympanic membranes, or to augment defective tympanic membranes.

The disclosure relates to winged graft devices, methods of manufacture, and methods of use to repair, e.g., repair perforations, in tympanic membranes, or to augment defective tympanic membranes.

Provided is a polymeric auricular scaffold for use in auricular implants and methods for making them. The disclosed polymeric auricular scaffold is formed using a biocompatible polymer sheet that is vacuumed formed into a shape representing auricular cartilage using a vacuum forming mold.

Machine-learning techniques are used to train a classifier to predict auditory and language skills improvement in a patient who is a candidate for cochlear implantation (CI). One or more images of portions of the patient's brain are obtained, and quantitative data is extracted that represents the composition of one or more brain areas related to auditory and/or cognitive processing. For training of the classifier, data is obtained for previous CI patients whose improvement in language skills has been measured. Once trained, the classifier can be used to predict a likely degree of improvement in a prospective CI patient's auditory and language skills.