Healthcare Professionals

Bioresorbable Ear Packing and Patching Products

for Middle Ear Surgery and Other Otologic Procedures

  • MeroGel Bioresorbable Ear Packing from Medtronic

MeroGel Ear Packing

MeroGel bioresorbable ear packing is a convenient aid to wound healing after middle ear surgery and other otologic procedures. MeroGel ear packing helps to separate mucosal surfaces and control minimal bleeding.

MeroGel Bioresorbable Ear Packing

MeroGel Bioresorbable Ear Packing Placed in the Middle Ear Cavity

Fig. 1: Small pieces of MeroGel are rolled into spheres, hydrated, and placed in the middle ear cavity

Ear Packing that Aids Healing

MeroGel® bioresorbable ear packing gradually dissolves and may be used during canalplasty, tympanoplasty, myringoplasty, and stapedectomy and mastoid procedures.

It’s made from esterified hyaluronic acid or HYAFF®, which helps keep the surgical site moist and aids wound healing.1-4

MeroGel Bioresorbable Ear Packing Gradually Dissolves

Fig. 2: MeroGel ear packing typically dissolves in about 6 weeks after hydration, or 2 weeks if kept hydrated

How Is It Used?

Small pieces of MeroGel ear packing are pulled away, rolled into spheres, hydrated with a sterile solution, and placed in the middle ear cavity. The biomaterial doesn’t swell and excess fluid may be suctioned out of the packing (Fig. 1).

After hydration, MeroGel ear packing typically dissolves in about six weeks. In the external ear canal, MeroGel ear packing will dissolve in approximately two weeks, if kept hydrated (Fig. 2).

Hyaluronic Acid and Middle Ear Surgery

In middle ear surgery, biocompatible1-7 hyaluronic acid has been shown to improve the natural healing of the mastoid cavity and help reduce fibrous scarring.1-4

Additional Ear Packing and Patching Products

See the ENT Product Catalog for all ear packing products, including traditional ear packing and wicks.

HYAFF® is a registered trademark of Anika Therapeutics SRL.

References

1

Sayin I, Kaya KH, Ekizoğlu O, Erdim I. A prospective controlled trial comparing spontaneous closure and EpiFilm patching in traumatic tympanic membrane perforations. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2012. Epub: 2013 January 5. doi: 10.1007/s00405-012-2331-x.

2

Saliba I, Knapik M, Froehlich P, Abela A. Advantages of hyaluronic acid fat graft myringoplasty over fat graft myringoplasty. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2012; 138(10):950-955.

3

Laurent C, Hellstrom S, Stenfors L. Hyaluronic acid reduces connective tissue formation in middle ears filled with absorbable gelatin sponge: an experimental study. Am J Otolaryngol. 1986; 7:181-186.

4

Martini A, Morra B. Use of a hyaluronan-based biomembrane in the treatment of chronic cholesteatomatous otitis media. Am J Otology. 2000; 21:468-473.

5

Pirnazar P, et al. Bacteriostatic effects of hyaluronic acid. J Periodontol. 1999; 70:370-374.

6

Longaker MT, et al. Studies in fetal wound healing. A prolonged presence of hyaluronic acid characterized wound fluid. Annals of Surgery. 1991; 213:292-296.

7

Grainger DA, et al. The use of hyaluronic acid polymers to reduce postoperative adhesions. J Gynecol Surg. 1991; 7:97-101.