Otolaryngology Implants Usage and their Material Adverse Event Profile – A Narrative Review

Abstract

The objective of this study is to review various biomaterials or implants used in ENT and their adverse effects on events that were noticed from the initial days to the present era. Relevant articles were searched from the databases. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google were used to search for the data. Cochlear implant (CI) adequacy depends on biocompatibility, anti-inflammatory treatment, and reduction of fibrosis. Silicone is used in the otologic field, and its allergy is a rare cause of CI extrusion. Nitinol pistons are used in stapedotomy, and polyethylene (Teflon) grafts are used in partial ossicular replacement prosthesis (PORP) or total ossicular replacement prosthesis (TORP). Their complications include graft extrusion and residual perforation. Chronic sphenoid sinusitis is associated with Medpor porous polyethylene implants used for sellar reconstruction in skull-based surgeries. In vocal cord paralysis, injectable collagen preparations form submucosal deposits and dysphonia. Montgomery T-tubes are used in subglottic stenosis, and they produce granulation tissue. Metallic tracheostomy tubes cause the formation of secondary foreign bodies, and biofilms appear in double-lumen tracheostomy tubes. Even though several research studies have been carried out, still a modification of implant design is needed to minimize the complications and to further promote the quality of life of patients.