Postoperative artefact assessment and scalar positioning in Cochleaimplantation in 3 Tesla MRI

Introduction Nowadays, magnetic resonance imaging is playing a major role in modern diagnostical pathways. The update of the Cochleaimplant magnet allows MRI without any difficulties. The still resulting artefact coming from the magnet leads to limitations in the evaluation of the inner ear canal and the cochlea.

Materials and Methods Twenty patients were implanted uni-or bilateral with Cochleaimplants from different companies. On the first postoperative day a flat panel tomography as well as an MRI were performed. The position of the receiver/stimulator as well as the position of the electrode were evaluated and correlated to the results of the MRI.

Results An evaluation of the Cochlea and the auditory nerve within the inner ear canal is possible. The implant, the intraoperative positioning of the magnet in relation to the cochlea as well as the choice of the MRI sequence are important for a good evaluation. The electrode position within the scala tympani was proven without difficulty.

Conclusion The new generation of Cochlea implants make 3 T Magnetic resonance imaging possible without the before known difficulties such as pain and magnet dislocation. The dimension of the artefacts depends on the different magnets used by the companies. The intraoperative positioning of the implant correlates with the evaluation of inner ear structures within the high-resolution 3D Drive MRI sequence.

Poster-PDF A-1236.PDF

Publication History

Article published online:
10 June 2020