A comparative electron microscopic study of chemical techniques for preservation of auditory ossicles as homografts.

The ultrastructure of preserved ossicles at different shelf lives was compared. Homograft ossicles were harvested and preserved in 70% alcohol, 1:5000 Cialit (sodium-2-ethyl-mercuri-mercapto-benzoxazole-5-carboxylate), and buffered 4% formaldehyde at pH 7. The ultrastructure of each ossicle was studied by both scanning and transmission electron microscopy and was compared to that of fresh controls placed in 0.9 N saline solution. The results indicated clearly the superiority of 70% alcohol as a long-term preservative and 1:5000 Cialit as a short-term preservative.