BAHA
This surgical procedure is generally considered minimally invasive for patients and is typically performed under local anesthetic with light sedation. Typical operative time is less than 45 minutes per ear and may be performed in the day surgery unit.
Step 1
A biopsy punch is used or small incision is made superior/posterior to the outer ear to expose the mastoid bone beneath the skin and soft tissue.
Step 2
A specialized drill is employed to drill a 3-4mm hole in the skull (typical adult skull thickness is 7-8mm). The implant and abutment (as a single unit) is then fixed to the drill and is counter-sunk into the same hole until tight.
Step 3
The surgeon can select abutments of different lengths based on the thickness of the patient’s skin so that it protrudes approximately 3-4mm above the skin surface. This discourages excessive skin growth around the abutment over time (the body naturally wants to close this wound) and helps prevent infection and allows for easier device coupling by the user. Patient is bandaged for 1 week.
Step 4
Healing time is approximately 4-6 weeks before activation to allow for the wound to heal and to allow for bone to grow around the implant, making it part of the skull and increasing efficiency of sound transfer. The user will need to clean around the implant site with soap and water daily to limit opportunities for infection and excessive skin growth.
