Intracochlear pressure changes during CI electrode insertion - modifications for minimizing intracochlear pressure

Introduction Facial costimulation after cochlea implantation by a close position of the facial nerve to the cochlea is well known. Aim of our study was to evaluate if the close position of the facial nerve to the cochlea can predict a costimulation after cochlea implantation and if complications can be minimized.

Material and methods CT scans of 126 patients (252 Cochleae), implanted between 2018-2019 were analyzed. The distance between facial nerve and cochlea in the tympanal segment (coronar reconstruction) was measured. The data was compared with the clinical data of the patient and analyzed. Furthermore the electrode array (lateral wall vs. perimodiolar) used was analyzed in terms of complications.

Results Two patients showed a costimulation at the first activation. In 15 ears a close contact between cochlea and the nerve ( < 0,3mm) was found. There was no correlation between the complication and the intrascalar position or the typ of electrode.

Conclusion A close position of the facial nerve to the cochlea can lead to costimulation during activation of the implant. Our results show that a narrow distance between the nerve and the cochlea are not necessarily linked to a costimulation.Specially in pations with a direct contact between the nerve and the cochlea a perimodiolar electrode position in scala tympani close to the modiolus is essential to avoid costimulation.

Poster-PDF A-1600.pdf

Publication History

Article published online:
13 May 2021