Myringator

Myringoplasty Graft Applicator

The Myringator is a low-cost tissue graft applicator for the eardrum. It simplifies a myringoplasty procedure by eliminating the need for incisions and local anesthesia improving workflows for clinicians. The device is slim and soft enough to enter via the ear canal and provides manual 0-70 degree articulation at the tip which allows the clinician to apply the skin graft onto the eardrum effectively. An in-line suction holds the skin graft onto the silicone tip during insertion, and is released upon deployment.

The tip articulation is based on the working principle of a four-bar linkage. A tensioned spring strip combined with a silicone over mold removes the need for a pin based pivot hinge. This allowed us to maintain adequate sealing for suction as well as reducing size.

Our prototyping process focused on iterating various over molded tip geometries as well as spring strip materials and shapes. Acrylic molds with two part RT curing silicones allowed us to rapidly make modifications and test physical properties.

Independent to the tip mechanism, we developed a simple, easy to assemble and fabricate handle assembly with in-line suction.