In the Vibrant Soundbridge active middle ear implant, the vibrating element that drives the ossicular chain is attached to which structure?
- A Head of the stapes
- B Long process of the incus ✓
- C Promontory of the cochlea
- D Handle of the malleus
Correct answer: B. Long process of the incus
Explanation
The Vibrant Soundbridge consists of an internal receiver stimulator connected to a floating mass transducer (FMT), which is crimped onto the long process of the incus. The FMT vibrates the ossicular chain directly and mechanically amplifies natural sound transmission, avoiding an acoustic seal in the canal. Couplers now allow alternative attachment sites such as the stapes or round window in selected ears, but the standard and classically examined placement is on the incus long process.
Reference: Scott-Brown's Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.