Fibrin tissue adhesive and glass ceramic strut for ossicular chain replacement. Electrophysiologic and histologic findings.

The tolerance of the inner ear to fibrin tissue adhesive was tested. In experimental surgery on thirty-four chinchilla ears, Fibrin Sealant was applied to the inner ear contents by closing the oval window with a connective tissue graft dipped in the adhesive and gluing a Macor glass ceramic strut between this graft and tympanic membrane. No inner ear changes or tissue damage were found. The loss in auditory sensitivity monitored by auditory brain stem response thresholds was commensurate with the amount of loss to be expected with ossicular chain replacement. The findings suggest that this tissue glue can be safely applied to the labyrinth.