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A dual wedge microneedle for sampling of perilymph solution via round window membrane

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Abstract

Precision medicine for inner-ear disease is hampered by the absence of a methodology to sample inner-ear fluid atraumatically. The round window membrane (RWM) is an attractive portal for accessing cochlear fluids as it heals spontaneously. In this study, we report on the development of a microneedle for perilymph sampling that minimizes the size of RWM perforation, facilitates quick aspiration, and provides precise volume control. Here, considering the mechanical anisotropy of the RWM and hydrodynamics through a microneedle, a 31G stainless steel pipe was machined into wedge-shaped design via electrical discharge machining. The sharpness of the needle was evaluated via a surface profilometer. Guinea pig RWM was penetrated in vitro, and 1 μL of perilymph was sampled and analyzed via UV–vis spectroscopy. The prototype wedge shaped needle was successfully fabricated with the tip curvature of 4.5 μm and the surface roughness of 3.66 μm in root mean square. The needle created oval perforation with minor and major diameter of 143 and 344 μm (n = 6). The sampling duration and standard deviation of aspirated volume were 3 s and 6.8 % respectively. The protein concentration was 1.74 mg/mL. The prototype needle facilitated precise perforation of RWMs and rapid aspiration of cochlear fluid with precise volume control. The needle design is promising and requires testing in human cadaveric temporal bone and further optimization to become clinically viable.

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Acknowledgments

This research was funded by Coulter Translational Research Partnerships and American Otological Society. Professor Elizabeth S. Olson Ph.D. has been kindly providing her lab space as well as her knowledge. This research was supported by NIH National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders of the National Institutes of Health under award number R01DC014547.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, 220 Mudd Building 500 West 120th Street, New York, NY, 10027, USA

    Hirobumi Watanabe & Jeffrey W. Kysar

  2. Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of The University of New York, New York, NY, 10031, USA

    Luis Cardoso

  3. Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, 10032, USA

    Anil K. Lalwani

Authors
  1. Hirobumi Watanabe
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  2. Luis Cardoso
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  3. Anil K. Lalwani
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  4. Jeffrey W. Kysar
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Correspondence to Hirobumi Watanabe.

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Anil K. Lalwani and Jeffrey W. Kysar are senior authors.

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Watanabe, H., Cardoso, L., Lalwani, A.K. et al. A dual wedge microneedle for sampling of perilymph solution via round window membrane. Biomed Microdevices 18, 24 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10544-016-0046-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10544-016-0046-2

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