Effects of cochlear implant surgical technique on post-operative electrode impedance. (2nd July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gu, Ping; Jiang, Yi; Gao, Xue; Huang, Shasha; Yuan, Yongyi; Wang, Guojian; Li, Beicheng; Xi, Xin; Dai, Pu
• Is Part Of: Acta oto-laryngologica. Volume 136:Number 7(2016)
• Page Start: 677
• Page End: 681
• Publication Date: 2016-07-02
• Subjects: Hearing loss -- minimal access surgery -- fibrous tissue -- steroids -- Healon; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; Ear -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Throat -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Otolaryngology -- Electronic Resources; Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases; 617.8
• DOI: 10.3109/00016489.2016.1143967
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0001-6489

Abstract

Abstract: Conclusions : The mCI surgical technique led to reduced impedance and minimized disturbance of the microenvironment inside the cochlea. Atraumatic surgical techniques and inflammation-reduction strategies may preserve the cochlear architecture and prevent fibrotic development.Objectives : To assess the advantages of a modified minimal access technique in cochlear implantation as well as to investigate the effects of intra-operative application of inflammation reduction strategies on the intra-cochlear impedance.Methods : One hundred patients received a 31.5 mm long Med-El standard electrode array fully inserted into the cochlea and did not have surgical complications post-operation. Patients were divided into two groups according to the surgical technique that was used for implantation: 50 were in the modified minimal access cochlear implant (mCI) surgery group and 50 were in the traditional CI surgery group. Intra-cochlear impedance values were measured at initial activation (4 weeks post-operatively). Electrode impedance values were compared between the surgery groups.Results : Electrode impedance values were significantly lower in the mCI group than in the CI surgery group at initial activation (5.01 kOhm vs 6.10 kOhm, respectively, F = 13.761, p = 0.000). The differences between the two groups were most prominent for the electrodes located at the basal region of the cochlea.