[Cochlear implantation--the Viennese surgical technique]

Abstract

The aim of the study was to report the current surgical procedure that has been established on the basis of about 200 implantations with the Combi 40/40+ implant system. The outstanding features of this procedure are the skin incision and the fact that the electrode can be inserted up to a depth of 34 mm into the cochlea. In order to provide better magnetic positioning of the external parts, a flap-reducing technique may be required. For insertion we used a soft surgery method to preserve structures within the cochlea. In some cases we were able to inspect the cochlea with microendoscopes, which helped to prevent electrode kinking, since fibrous obliterations were found before the insertion. For electrode fixation in the mastoid cavity we used bone paté.