Abstract
Objective: To describe intracochlear insertion trauma caused by three perimodiolar cochlear implant electrodes. Study Design: Descriptive histological study of 15 human cadaver temporal bones. Methods: Fifteen cadaver temporal bones underwent surface preparation and were implanted with one of the following perimodiolar electrode arrays: Combi 40+PM (MedE1 Corporation), HiFocus II (Advanced Bionics Corporation), or Contour (Cochlear Corporation). A cryosectioning technique was used to study horizontal sections at 200-μm intervals with the electrode in place. Image-enhanced videofluoroscopy and computer-assisted morphometrics were used to assess the mechanism of insertion trauma and to determine electrode position within the modiolus. Results: Histological examination revealed varying degrees of damage to the spiral ligament, basilar membrane, and osseous spiral lamina. Using a novel grading system for electrode trauma, there was no statistically significant difference among the three electrodes. A literature search of histological studies of a commonly used "standard" electrode showed damage equal to or greater than that seen in the current study. Conclusions: Insertion trauma caused by periomodiolar electrodes occurs to an acceptable degree. Refinement of electrodes based on mechanisms of trauma may be able to further reduce damage.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 415-419 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Laryngoscope |
Volume | 113 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 1 2003 |
Keywords
- Cochlear implant
- Cochlear trauma
- Cryomicrotomy
- Deafness
- Inner ear
- Perimodiolar electrode
- Temporal bone
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Otorhinolaryngology