Endoscopic visualisation of the round window during cochlear implantation

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.


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.



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.



2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 563-565 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Polterauer ◽  
Maike Neuling ◽  
Joachim Müller ◽  
John-Martin Hempel ◽  
Giacomo Mandruzzato ◽  
...  

AbstractPrior to cochlear implantation, audiological tests are performed to determine candidacy in subjects with a hearing loss. This is usually done by measuring the acoustic auditory brainstem response (ABR). Unfortunately, for some subjects, a reproducible ABR recording cannot be obtained, even at high acoustic levels. Having a healthy stimulating auditory nerve is required for cochlear implantation in order to benefit from the electrical pulses that are generated by the implant and to improve speech comprehension. In some subjects, this prerequisite cannot be measured using routine audiological tests. In this study, the feasibility of recording electrically evoked auditory brainstem responses (eABR) using a stimulating transtympanic electrode, placed on the round window niche, together with MED-EL clinical system is investigated. The results show that it is possible to record reproducible eABR measurements using PromBERA. The response was also confirmed with intraoperative eABR measurements that were stimulated using the implanted CI electrode array. Similarities between the intraoperative measurements and the preoperative recorded waveforms were observed. In summary, the integrity and excitability of the auditory nerve can be objectively measured using the PromBERA in subjects where standard clinical testing procedures are unable to provide the information required.



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 163 (2) ◽  
pp. 375-381
Author(s):  
Giselle L. Gotamco ◽  
Chuan-Hung Sun ◽  
Yi-Fan Chou ◽  
Chuan-Jen Hsu ◽  
Hung-Pin Wu

Objectives This study aims to compare the hearing preservation outcomes in cochlear implant surgery following slit versus full opening of the round window membrane. Setting Tertiary referral center. Study Design Comparative study. Subjects and Methods Seventy patients (mean, 26.3 years; range, 2-69 years) who underwent cochlear implantation via the round window approach were included in the study. Thirty-five subjects were prospectively enrolled for cochlear implantation via the open round window technique between August 2018 and January 2019. Thirty-five patients who underwent cochlear implantation from January 2017 to July 2018 via the slit round window opening, frequency matched by sex and age, were retrospectively enrolled. Pre- and postoperative thresholds were obtained. The percentage of hearing preservation was computed with the HEARRING Network formula and classified into complete, partial, and minimal hearing preservation. The results between the groups were compared and analyzed at 6 months postoperatively. Results The rate of complete hearing preservation in the open group was statistically significant ( P = .030) at 71.4% (n = 25) as compared with 45.7% (n = 16) in the slit group. Conclusions The widely opened round window may be an optional technique that surgeons can utilize to improve hearing preservation outcomes.



1985 ◽  
Vol 99 (9) ◽  
pp. 831-838 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmoud A. Khalil ◽  
Myron Spector

AbstractThe object of this study was to investigate the anatomy, histology, and possible function of a conical structure found in the middle ear of the cat. This conical structure lies across the dorso-caudal compartment of the middle ear. It is directly related to the course of the chorda tympani nerve in the middle ear. Its base is attached by fibrous tissue to the dorso-caudal segment of the tympanic bone adjacent to the tympanic membrane. Its apex rests on the promontory just rostral to the round window niche. Histologically, it is cartilaginous tissue enveloped by a mudous membrane with no trace of bone. Portions of some conical cartilage specimens display extensive calcification. A previous hypothesis suggests that this structure conducts high frequency sounds directly from the tympanic membrane to the round window membrane. This seems unlikely because its length is shorter than the distance between the tympanic membrane and round window membrane. The conical cartilage may be a vestigial remnant of the second arch bar (Reichert's cartilage).



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.



2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (10) ◽  
pp. 471-474
Author(s):  
Chang Bae Lee ◽  
Sung Wook Jeong ◽  
Seung Woo Hong

Congenital aural atresia (CAA) is usually accompanied by an anomalous course of facial nerves, which may run over the round window niche toward the promontory in some cases of CAA. Very rarely, cochlear malformation might coexist at the same ear which has CAA, in which case cochlear implantation can be difficult due to anomalous facial nerve. Herein we present a case of cochlear implantation performed in a child who had CAA along with cochlear hypoplasia and cochlear nerve aplasia. The mastoid segment of facial nerve was displaced anteriorly, running over the round window niche. The surgery was done successfully using the round window approach without facial nerve injury.



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.



1988 ◽  
Vol 105 (sup457) ◽  
pp. 139-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. M. Keithley ◽  
A. F. Ryan ◽  
J. P. Harris


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