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. 2021 Aug;42(8):813-824.
doi: 10.15537/smj.2021.42.8.20210294.

Magnet and receiver-stimulator displacement after cochlear implantation: Clinical characters and management approaches

Asma Alahmadi  1 , Saad Alenzi  1 , Mohammed Alsheikh  1 , Saeed Alghamdi  1 , Mostafa E Morra  1 , Khalid M Badr  1
Affiliations

Magnet and receiver-stimulator displacement after cochlear implantation: Clinical characters and management approaches

Asma Alahmadi et al. Saudi Med J. 2021 Aug.

Abstract

Objectives: To systematically review the occurrence of magnet or receiver/stimulator displacement following cochlear implant (CI) placement complication and evaluate the existing literature on this topic.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Virtual Health Library (VHL), and Cochrane Library. Original studies reporting cases of magnet or receiver-stimulator migration occurring as a complication after CI placement were included. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool for observational studies and CARE checklist for case studies.

Results: A total of 36 studies, including 6469 patients, were included. Magnet migration was reported in 82 (1.3%) patients, while receiver/stimulator was reported in 4 (0.1%) cases. The cause of magnet migration was identified in 78 cases; MRI-induced movement was the most frequently reported cause (n=43, 55.1%), followed by head trauma (n=25, 32.1%). A total of 20 studies involving 35 patients with magnet migration performed skull radiography to diagnose magnet migration. Revision/exploratory surgery with surgical repositioning or replacement was the most frequent management procedure (n=46).

Conclusions: Further research on magnet pocket design and standard protocols for MRI in CI users is needed. Early diagnosis of magnet migration and instant referral to specialized CI centers is necessary for proper management and prevention of major complications. PROSPERO REG. NO. CRD: 42020204514.

Keywords: cochlear implant; displacement; magnet; migration; receiver-stimulator.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
- Flow diagram of studies’ screening and inclusion. VHL: Virtual Health Library
Figure 2
Figure 2
- Reasons for magnet migration in accordance with the authors’ reporting.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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