In Vivo Electromechanical Reshaping of Ear Cartilage in a Rabbit Model

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To report the first successful study to date of in vivo electromechanical reshaping of ear cartilage in a rabbit model. METHODS: Ears of New Zealand white rabbits were reshaped using percutaneous needle electrode electromechanical reshaping (5 V for 4 minutes) and were then bolstered for 4 weeks. Ten ears were treated, with 2 undergoing sham procedures and serving as controls. The treatment was performed using a platinum array of electrodes consisting of 4 parallel rows of needles inserted across the region of flexures in the ear. After 4 weeks, the animals were killed, and the ears were photographed and sectioned for conventional light microscopy and confocal microscopy (live-dead fluorescent assays). RESULTS: Significant shape change was noted in all the treated ears (mean, 102.4°; range, 87°-122°). Control ears showed minimal shape retention (mean, 14.5°; range, 4°-25°). Epidermis and adnexal structures were preserved in reshaped ears, and neochondrogenesis was noted in all the specimens. Confocal microscopy demonstrated a localized zone of nonviable chondrocytes (<2.0 mm in diameter) surrounding needle sites in all the treated ears. CONCLUSIONS: Electromechanical reshaping can alter the shape of the rabbit auricle, providing good creation and retention of shape, with limited skin and cartilage injury. Needle electrode electromechanical reshaping is a viable technique for minimally invasive tissue reshaping, with potential applications in otoplasty, septoplasty, and rhinoplasty. Further studies to refine dosimetry parameters will be required before clinical trials.