A method to intraoperatively assess stapes prostheses for magnetic attraction.

Objective: To present a technique used to assess metallic otologic prostheses for magnetic susceptibility during surgery.

Study Design: Description of a surgical technique.

Methods: A sterile handheld pacemaker magnet is used to evaluate the prosthesis prior to implantation. The magnet is placed over the prosthesis and the prosthesis is placed directly on the magnet. Any evidence of magnetic attraction and the prosthesis is rejected prior to implantation.

Results: None of the prostheses screened showed any magnetic attraction. As a control, steel wire was cut into pieces with dimensions similar to prostheses. These sections of wire were readily attracted to the magnet.

Conclusions: Intraoperative screening of metallic prostheses for magnetic susceptibility is possible using a sterile handheld pacemaker magnet.