3T MRI high resolution estimation of scalar cochlear implant electrode position

Introduction:

The scalar postion of the cochlear implant electrode is of high importance for the clinical outcome after CI surgery. Common techniques to evaluate the intracochlear electrode position include ionized radiation by MSCT, DVT or flat panel tomography. Recent advantages in the knowledge about handling MRI artifacts and pain free performance of MRI scans in cochlear implantees showed that a estimation of the intracochlear electrode position is possible at 1,5 T with perimodiolar or midmodiolar arrays.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the assessment of the ipsilaterally scalar position of cochlear implant electrodes by MRI sequences at 3 T with lateral wall electrodes.

Methods:

In a prospective study we evaluated in 10 implantees the intrascalar electrode position in an axial position with a T2 weighted sequence at 3 T and a resolution of 0,8 mm. We compared the evaluated intracochlear position with the routinely postoperative performed MSCT scan observed position.

Results:

In all cases the MRT estimated scalar position corresponded with CT scan estimated position. In 9 cases a scala tympani position was observed. In one case a scalar change from scala tympani to scala vestibuli was found.

Conclusion:

An estimation of the intracochlear position of cochlear implant electrodes by 3 T MRI is possible.

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 April 2018 (online)