scholarly journals Surgical anatomy of the round window with special reference to cochlear implantation

1987 ◽  
Vol 101 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Burkhard K. H. Franz ◽  
Graeme M. Clark ◽  
David M. Bloom

AbstractWhen the multi-channel cochlear implant electrode is inserted into the scala tympani through the round window the operation is best performed via a posterior tympanotomy. The view of the round window membrane, however, is incomplete because of its orientation and the fact that it has a conical shape. Nevertheless, a good view along the basal turn is obtained after the antero-inferior overhang of the round window niche and the crista fenestrae have been removed. It might be damaging to drill away the postero-superior overhang as the osseous spiral lamina lies extremely close to the round window membrane.

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 23-25
Author(s):  
Rabindra B Pradhananga ◽  
Bigyan R Gyawali ◽  
Pabina Rayamajhi

Introduction The round window is thought to be an ideal port for inserting electrodes during cochlear implantation. Considering its complex anatomy with an individual variation, this study aims to review the anatomy of round window based on the visibility of round window niche and round window membrane via posterior tympanotomy in pediatric and adult population who underwent cochlear implantation. MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study conducted at the Department of ENT-HNS, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal. Surgical notes of adult (>15 years) and pediatric cases (<15years) who underwent primary cochlear implantation from January 2015 to January 2018 were assessed for different grading of round window niche and round window membrane visibility via posterior tympanotomy. Cases with revision surgery and with incomplete documentation of intra-operative findings were excluded from the study. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software version 25. We used Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests to analyze the statistical association. ResultsType B round window niche (partially visible) was the most common variant seen in the pediatric group while in adults, both Type B (partially visible) and Type C (fully visible) round window niche were common. Compared to the adults, the pediatric group had good visibility of RWM. However, there was no statistical association between these observations. ConclusionThe round window has a wide range of anatomical variations with different levels of visibility of RWN and RWM in the different age groups. Although statistically insignificant, RWM visibility seemed to be better in pediatric cases compared to adults.


2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto D. Angeli ◽  
Joel Lavinsky ◽  
Enio T. Setogutti ◽  
Luiz Lavinsky

Objective: The aim of this work was to describe the dimensions of the crista fenestra and determine its presence by means of high-resolution computed tomography (CT) for the purpose of cochlear implantation via the round window approach. Methods: A series of 10 adult human temporal bones underwent high-resolution CT scanning and were further dissected for microscopic study of the round window niche. Results: In all of the specimens, the round window membrane was fully visualized after the complete removal of bony overhangs. The crista fenestra was identified as a sharp bony crest located in the anterior and inferior borders of the niche; its area ranged from 0.28 to 0.80 mm2 (mean 0.51 ± 0.18). The proportion of the area occupied by the crista fenestra in the whole circumference of the round window ranged from 23 to 50% (mean 36%). We found a moderate positive correlation between the area of the niche and the dimensions of the crista fenestra (Spearman rho: 0.491). In every case, high-resolution CT scanning was unable to determine the presence of the crista fenestra. Conclusion: The crista fenestra occupies a variable but expressive area within the bony round window niche. Narrower round window niches tended to house smaller crests. The presence of the crista fenestra is an important obstacle to adequate access to the scala tympani. Nevertheless, a high-resolution CT scan provides no additional preoperative information with regard to its presence for the purpose of surgical access to the scala tympani via the round window niche.


2021 ◽  
pp. 014556132110091
Author(s):  
Robin Rupp ◽  
Joachim Hornung ◽  
Matthias Balk ◽  
Matti Sievert ◽  
Sarina Müller ◽  
...  

Objective: To investigate the anatomical status of the round window niche and hearing outcome of cochlear implantation (CI) after explorative tympanotomy (ExT) with sealing of the round window membrane in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss at a tertiary referral medical center. Methods: Between January 1, 2007, and July 30, 2020, 1602 patients underwent CI at our department. Out of these, all patients previously treated by ExT with sealing of the round window membrane because of unilateral sudden hearing loss were included in the study. A retrospective chart review was conducted concerning method of round window membrane sealing, intraoperative findings during CI, postoperative imaging, and hearing results. Results: Twenty one patients (9 females; 8 right ears; 54.3 years [± 12.9 years]) underwent ExT with sealing of the round window membrane with subsequent CI after 26.6 months (± 32.9 mo) on average. During CI, in 76% of cases (n = 16), the round window niche was blocked by connective tissue due to the previous intervention but could be removed completely in all cases. The connective tissue itself and its removal had no detrimental effects on the round window membrane. Postoperative computed tomography scan showed no electrode dislocation. Mean postoperative word recognition score after 3 months was 57.4% (± 17.2%) and improved significantly to 73.1% (± 16.4%, P = .005) after 2 years. Conclusion: Performing CI after preceding ExT, connective tissue has to be expected blocking the round window niche. Remaining tissue can be removed safely and does not alter the round window membrane allowing for a proper electrode insertion. Short- and long-term hearing results are satisfactory. Consequently, ExT with sealing of the round window membrane in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss does not impede subsequent CI that can still be performed safely.


2014 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sai Kiran Pendem ◽  
Rajeswaran Rangasami ◽  
Ravi Kumar Arunachalam ◽  
Venkata Sai Pulivadulu Mohanarangam ◽  
Paarthipan Natarajan

Objective: To determine the accuracy of High Resolution Computer Tomography (HRCT) temporal bone measurements in predicting the actual visualization of round window niche as viewed through posterior tympanotomy (i.e. facial recess). Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study of 37 cochlear implant candidates, aged between 1and 6 years, who were referred for HRCT temporal bone during the period December 2013 to July 2014. Cochlear implantation was done in 37 children (25 in the right ear and 12 in the left ear). The distance between the short process of incus and the round window niche and the distance between the oval window and the round window niche were measured preoperatively on sub-millimeter (0.7 mm) HRCT images. We classified the visibility of round window niche based on the surgical view (i.e. through posterior tympanotomy) during surgery into three types: 1) Type 1- fully visible, 2) Type 2- partially visible, and 3) Type 3- difficult to visualize. The preoperative HRCT measurements were used to predict the type of visualization of round window niche before surgery and correlated with the findings during surgery. Results: The mean and standard deviation for the distance between the short process of incus and the round window niche and for the distance between the oval window and the round window niche for Types 1, 2, and 3 were 8.5 ± 0.2 mm and 3.2 ± 0.2 mm, 8.0 ± 0.4 mm and 3.8 ± 0.2 mm, 7.5 ± 0.2 mm and 4.4 ± 0.2 mm respectively, and showed statistically significant difference (P < 0.01) between them. The preoperative HRCT measurements had a sensitivity and specificity of 92.3% and 96.2%, respectively, in determining the actual visualization of round window niche. Conclusion: This study shows preoperative HRCT temporal bone measurements are useful in predicting the actual visualization of round window niche as viewed through posterior tympanotomy.


2020 ◽  
Vol 134 (3) ◽  
pp. 219-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Jain ◽  
R Sharma ◽  
J C Passey ◽  
R Meher ◽  
R Bansal

AbstractBackgroundEndoscopes provide a magnified view of the middle ear and visualisation of hidden areas. Otoendoscopes facilitate excellent visualisation of the round window niche during cochlear implantation.ObjectiveTo compare microscopic and endoscopic visualisation of the round window membrane during cochlear implantation in 20 patients.MethodsTwenty patients who underwent cochlear implantation were included in the study. After maximum exposure of the round window, the accessibility of the round window membrane was graded according to the St Thomas Hospital classification, first by microscope and then by endoscope.ResultsWith the use of the endoscope, visualisation of the round window membrane improved in all the patients as compared to the microscope. The electrode array was inserted via a round window or extended round window approach in all but two cases; the latter cases required bony cochleostomy because of unfavourable anatomy.ConclusionThe main benefit of endoscope-assisted cochlear implantation is improved visibility of the round window region.


1987 ◽  
Vol 96 (2) ◽  
pp. 174-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Burkhard K-H. Franz ◽  
Graeme M. Clark ◽  
David M. Bloom

Cat cochleas implanted with scala tympani prostheses were investigated histologically after inoculating the bullae with a suspension of group a streptococci. The prosthesis was passed through the round window membrane in one ear. In the other the prosthesis bypassed the round window via an opening anteroinferior to the round window niche. Before death, horseradish peroxidase was administered as a tracer for possible pathways of infection. Results showed that group a streptococci were pathogenic to the cat and caused inflammation in the bulla. The unimplanted round window membrane and the seals around the electrode entry points prevented infection from entering the cochlea. The seals around electrodes inserted either through the round window membrane or an opening drilled anteroinferior to the niche were equally effective. The horseradish peroxidase tracer studies showed, however, that a gap existed between the electrode and membranous seal, and this could be a potentially vulnerable site under certain conditions. Drilling an anteroinferior opening into the cochlea resulted in bony sequestra entering the cochlea. This can be avoided by blue-lining the opening and removing bone with picks before making an opening through the endosteum.


2021 ◽  
pp. 014556132199018
Author(s):  
Murat Koc ◽  
Abdullah Dalgic ◽  
Mehmet Ziya Ozuer

Objective: To investigate the effects of the mechanical trauma to the round window, a model electrode inserted into the scala tympani on the cochlear reserve, and the efficacy of topical steroids in preventing hearing loss. Materials and Methods: 21 male Wistar Albino rats were equally categorized into three groups. In all groups an initial mechanical injury to round window was created. Only subsequent dexamethasone injection was administrated into the cochlea in the subjects of group 2 while a multichannel cochlear implant guide inserted into the cochlea prior to dexamethasone administration for group 3. Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) were obtained prior to and immediately after the surgical injury, eventually on postoperative seventh day (d 7). Mean signal/noise ratios (S/Ns) obtained at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz were calculated. Data sets were compared with non-parametric statistical tests. Results: The early intraoperative mean S/Ns were significantly less than preoperative measurements for group 1 and 2; however, preoperative and postoperative d 7 average S/Ns did not differ. There was statistically significant difference between preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative d 7 average S/Ns for group 3. Conclusion: We observed that hearing was restored approximately to the preoperative levels following early postoperative repair. However, an electrode insertion into the cochlea via round window subsequent to mechanical trauma seems to cause a progressive hearing loss. Therefore, a special care must be taken to avoid the injury to the round window membrane in the course of the placement of a cochlear implant electrode and surgery for the chronic otitis media.


Author(s):  
Beomcho Jun ◽  
Sunwha Song

Abstract Objective This paper describes the construction of portals for electrode placement during cochlear implantation and emphasises the utility of pre-operative temporal bone three-dimensional computed tomography. Methods Temporal bone three-dimensional computed tomography was used to plan portal creation for electrode insertion. Results Pre-operative temporal bone three-dimensional computed tomography can be used to determine the orientation of temporal bone structures, which is important for mastoidectomy, posterior tympanotomy and cochleostomy, and when using the round window approach. Conclusion It is essential to create appropriate portals (from the mastoid cortex to the cochlea) in a step-by-step manner, to ensure the safe insertion of electrodes into the scala tympani. Pre-operative three-dimensional temporal bone computed tomography is invaluable in this respect.


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