A retrofacial approach of round window vibroplasty during Vibrant Soundbridge implantation for patients with congenital ear malformation.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the specific retrofacial surgical approach for application of Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) to the round window (RW) in patients with congenital ear malformation.

METHODS

Four patients with congenital ear malformation were implanted with VSB unilaterally through a retrofacial approach in present study. During the operation, the round window niche was identified through a retrofacial pathway and the floating mass transducer (FMT) was attached to the RW inferiorly.

RESULTS

Satisfied outcomes were confirmed after surgery. No intraoperative or postoperative surgical complications were observed in all patients.

CONCLUSION

When the facial nerve was aberrant or it was unable to access the RW through the classic facial recess pathway during the round window vibroplasty, the retrofacial approach could be a valid and feasible alternative approach.