Intracochlear Pressure Changes during Insertion of the slim modiolar Electrode Array with the 'pullback' Technique

Introduction:

Different factors influence the functional atraumatic insertion of the cochlear implant electrode array. The intracochlear pressure changes during the insertion have a certain impact on preservation of residual hearing. Aim of our study was to investigated each substep of the implantation of the new slim modiolar electrode array in terms of intracochlear pressure changes.

Material and Methods:

All implantations were conducted in an artificial cochlear model. Intracochlear pressure changes were recorded with a microoptical sensor in the apical part of the cochlea. All insertions were performed with the same insertion speed. After complete insertion a 'pullback' was performed.

Results:

Significant differences were found between each substep of the cochlear implantation. Insertion of the sheet leads to great intracochlear pressure changes. The insertion of the electrode shows moderate pressure changes. After complete insertion, the 'pullback' shows non significant pressure changes.

Discussion:

The electrode design has a significant influence on intracochlear pressure changes. Insertion of the sheet leads to great pressure changes, whereas the 'pullback' shows non significant pressure changes.

No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).

Julica Uçta

Unfallkrankenhaus Berlin,

Warener Str. 7, 12683,

Berlin

Email: [email protected]