Abstract
One common component of otolaryngological surgeries is the reshaping of cartilage. Previous studies have demonstrated the efficient achievement of this procedure through electromechanical reshaping (EMR), a technique that involves the direct application of voltage to cartilage that is mechanically deformed in a jig. Two main parameters, voltage and application time, may be regulated to achieve varying degrees of shape change. Although prior research has correlated these EMR parameters with degree of shape change, it remains necessary to correlate the same parameters with the degree of change in the mechanical properties of tissue. Once this is accomplished, an ideal balance may be determined, in which shape change is maximized while intrinsic tissue damage is minimized This study satisfies this need by providing comprehensive data on the pre- and post-EMR stiffness of both septal and auricular cartilage over a range of voltages (2-8V) with constant application time (2 min for septal, 3 min for auricular). EMR was applied using flat platinum electrodes to one of two 15 mm X 5 mm samples obtained from the same cartilage specimen, while the second sample was maintained as a control. Following a 15 min re-hydration period, the Young's modulus of the tissue was calculated for both the control and experimental sample from data obtained through a uniaxial tension test. A general reduction in stiffness was observed beginning at 3V, with the magnitude of reduction increasing at 6V.
Highlights
Required in facial reconstructive surgeries, the traditional reshaping of the cartilaginous structures in the head and neck is an invasive and technically demanding procedure
A reduction in Young’s Modulus, indicating tissue softening after electromechanical reshaping (EMR) was observed for both auricular and septal cartilage, beginning at 3 V or 5 V, respectively
Comparing this data for auricular versus septal cartilage, it was observed that auricular cartilage began softening at a lower voltage but its maximum amount of softening was less than that of septal cartilage
Summary
Required in facial reconstructive surgeries, the traditional reshaping of the cartilaginous structures in the head and neck is an invasive and technically demanding procedure. The electrochemically-driven shape-change mechanism of electromechanical reshaping (EMR) distinguishes it from thermally-driven methods such as laser and radiofrequency, which risk thermal injury to the tissue.[7] Accomplished through the direct application of a DC electric field to cartilage that is mechanically deformed in a jig, EMR may alter the fixed charge distribution of proteoglycans in the collagen matrix of the tissue.[7,8,9] This effect, as well as the hydrolysis produced by an electrolytic reaction in the cartilage, results in changes to the tissue’s mechanical properties. One cause of such changes may be the tissue pH changes associated with the EMR hydrolysis reactions, as pH is well known to determine the mechanics of a tissue.[8]
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