Learning Objectives:
Objective: This study investigates the performance and benefits of a novel cartilage slicer device, which we refer to as “Hacettepe cartilage slicer” for otological procedures.
Method: 41 conchal and tragal cartilage pieces were harvested using a standard surgical method from 8 fresh frozen human ears and their initial thicknesses were measured using a high accuracy digital micrometer. The harvested cartilages were then randomly sliced in 4 thickness levels using 2 different types of surgical blades. Then the thicknesses of the slices and remaining cartilages were measured. Scanning electron microscopy was utilized to determine the surface smoothness of the slices.
Results: Hacettepe cartilage slicer provided consistent results with each thickness setting and blade type. The results showed a proportional increase with the increasing thickness level with a clustering within a 0.1 milimeter distribution of the median value. The thicknesses of the slices and remaining cartilages provided evidence that our design slices the cartilage without any damage or squashing. Although both blades provided comparable satisfying results, scanning electron microscopy revealed that the slices cut with single bevel “chisel type” blade were superior regarding surface smoothness.
Conclusion: We believe that a reliable, surgical tool to slice autologous cartilage into undamaged, smooth slices at any desired thickness is major advantage for otologists. To our knowledge this study is the first to evaluate the performance of a cartilage slicer device. On the basis of this study, our novel cartilage slicer proved itself as a superior tool that is ready for human trials. A “razor sharp” disposable single bevel blade would offer the best results and slice thickness accuracy, precisely matching the desired thickness with a margin of error less than 0.1 mm.
