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. 2017 May 11;46(1):40.
doi: 10.1186/s40463-017-0218-y.

Cochlear implant electrode sealing techniques and related intracochlear pressure changes

Ingo Todt  1 , Julica Utca  2 , Dania Karimi  2 , Arne Ernst  2 , Philipp Mittmann  2
Affiliations

Cochlear implant electrode sealing techniques and related intracochlear pressure changes

Ingo Todt et al. J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. .

Abstract

Background: The inserted cochlear implanted electrode is covered at the site of the round window or cochleostomy to prevent infections and leakage. In a surgically hearing preservational concept, low intracochlear pressure changes are of high importance. The aim of this study was to observe intracochlear pressure changes due to different sealing techniques in a cochlear model.

Methods: Cochlear implant electrode insertions were performed in an artifical cochlear model and the intracochlear pressure changes were recorded in parallel with a micro-pressure sensor positioned in the apical region of the cochlea model to follow the maximum amplitude of intracochlear pressure. Four different sealing conditions were compared: 1) overlay, 2) overlay with fascia pushed in, 3) donut-like fascia ring, 4) donut-like fascia ring pushed in.

Results: We found statistically significant differences in the occurrence of maximum amplitude of intracochlear pressure peak changes related to sealing procedure comparing the different techniques. While the lowest amplitude changes could be observed for the overlay technique (0.14 mmHg ± 0.06) the highest values could be observed for the donut-like pushed in technique (1.79 mmHg ± 0.69).

Conclusion: Sealing the electrode inserted cochlea can lead to significant intracochlear pressure changes. Pushing in of the sealing tissue cannot be recommended.

Keywords: Cochlea implant; Intracochlear pressure; Round window; Sealing.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Cochlear model for pressure experiments
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
a Exemplaric pressure change related to an overlay sealing. b Exemplaric pressure change related to an overlay push in sealing. c Exemplaric pressure change related to a donut-like sealing. d Exemplaric pressure change related to a donut-like push in sealing
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Comparison of intracochlear pressure changes related to different sealing techniques
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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References

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