Dr. Youssef Tahiri performed his first combination of ear reconstructive surgery and minimally invasive Ponto™ surgery (MIPS) in December of 2022. The procedure was conducted on a pediatric microtia/atresia patient, Sean, under general anesthesia (due to the reconstruction) in a surgical center under the guidance of an Oticon Medical representative.
Previously, Sean wore his Ponto processor on a softband, which he received when he was only three months old. At the age of 8[1], it was determined that Sean had reached the right age and bone density to proceed with implantation so he could wear his new Ponto 5 SuperPower on an abutment for improved access to sound.
The following is an interview conducted by Oticon Medical with Dr. Tahiri regarding his experience with the procedure.
Did you encourage Sean’s parents to move forward with implantation
I definitely encouraged them to move forward with MIPS to help with hearing on Sean’s microtia/atresia side. Sean had been using the Ponto already and were loving the product. Importantly, he was very comfortable with the Ponto. So we all agreed to go ahead with a Ponto implant system placement.
How long did Sean’s procedure take?
The MIPS portion took approximately 20 minutes.
How did your Oticon Medical representative assist you in working with Sean and his family?
She was so useful since it was my first time using the Ponto system. She supported me through the different steps of the procedure. She made sure we had everything we needed for a successful procedure.
In this experience, did your patient experience a significant improvement in performance/hearing after implantation vs. wearing the processor on a softband?
Absolutely! His hearing outcome was significantly improved after implantation as compared to the softband.
What would you like other surgeons to know about MIPS who might not have tried it yet?
It is a straightforward and easy procedure. The risks are minimal while the benefits are great. Hearing is so important and thus implantation should not be delayed (once deemed medically safe for the patient), particularly with such a minimal, simple procedure.
Click through the link to watch what Sean and his mother have to say about his Ponto 5 SuperPower and experience undergoing MIPS.
About Dr. Tahiri
Dr. Youssef Tahiri is a Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with a subspecialty in Craniofacial Surgery. After graduating from McGill Medical School, in Montreal, Canada, he completed his Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery residency at McGill University and a Craniofacial Surgery Fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania and the Children Hospital of Philadelphia. He also pursued a Masters Degree in Experimental Surgery, which he obtained with Honors. He embraces the most innovative, cutting-edge technique available in craniofacial and microtia surgery. He has published a very large number of peer-review articles and presented his work at numerous regional, national and international scientific meetings. His research interests include outcomes evidence based clinical studies and translational research to enhance patients’ care and safety through improved techniques and technology.
[1] MIPS is recommended for: - Adult patients with normal bone quality and bone thickness above 3mm, where no complications during surgery are expected - Children with normal bone quality and a bone thickness above 4mm (typically 12 years or older), and other known factors have been considered and found suitable for single-stage surgery - Patients, as per above, with a skin thickness of 12mm or less Refer to Surgical Manual for complete information on MIPS