scholarly journals Intracochlear Fluid Pressure Changes Related to the Insertional Speed of a CI Electrode

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Todt ◽  
P. Mittmann ◽  
A. Ernst

Introduction. To preserve residual hearing the atraumaticity of the cochlea electrode insertion has become a focus of cochlear implant research. In addition to other factors, the speed of insertion is thought to be a contributing factor in the concept of atraumatic implantation. The aim of our study was to observe intracochlear fluid pressure changes due to different insertional speeds of an implant electrode in a cochlear model.Materials and Methods. The experiments were performed using an artificial cochlear model. A linear actuator was mounted on an Advanced Bionics IJ insertional tool. The intracochlear fluid pressure was recorded through a pressure sensor which was placed in the helicotrema area. Defined insertions were randomly performed with speeds of 0.1 mm/sec, 0.25 mm/sec, 0.5 mm/sec, 1 mm/sec, and 2 mm/sec.Results. A direct correlation between speed and pressure was observed. Mean maximum values of intracochlear fluid pressure varied between 0.41 mm Hg and 1.27 mm Hg.Conclusion. We provide the first results of fluid pressure changes due to insertional speeds of CI electrodes in a cochlear model. A relationship between the insertional speed and intracochlear fluid pressure was observed. Further experiments are needed to apply these results to the in vivo situation.

2017 ◽  
Vol 132 (3) ◽  
pp. 224-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
P Mittmann ◽  
A Ernst ◽  
I Todt

AbstractBackground:Preservation of residual hearing is one of the major goals in modern cochlear implant surgery. Intra-cochlear fluid pressure changes influence residual hearing, and should be kept low before, during and after cochlear implant insertion.Methods:Experiments were performed in an artificial cochlear model. A pressure sensor was inserted in the apical part. Five insertions were performed on two electrode arrays. Each insertion was divided into three parts, and statistically evaluated in terms of pressure peak frequency and pressure peak amplitude.Results:The peak frequency over each third part of the electrode increased in both electrode arrays. A slight increase was seen in peak amplitude in the lateral wall electrode array, but not in the midscalar electrode array. Significant differences were found in the first third of both electrode arrays.Conclusion:The midscalar and lateral wall electrode arrays have different intra-cochlear fluid pressure changes associated with intra-cochlear placement, electrode characteristics and insertion.


2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ingo Todt ◽  
Arneborg Ernst ◽  
Philipp Mittmann

To achieve a functional atraumatic insertion, low intracochlear pressure changes during the procedure are assumed to be important. The aim of this study was to observe intracochlear pressure changes due to different insertion techniques in a cochlear model. Cochlear implant electrode insertions were performed in an artificial cochlear model to record intracochlear pressure changes with a micropressure sensor to evaluate the maximum amplitude and frequency of pressure changes under different insertional conditions. We found statistically significant differences in the occurrence of intracochlear pressure peak changes comparing different techniques. Based on our model results, an insertion should be maximally supported to minimize micromovement-related pressure changes.


2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ingo Todt ◽  
Arneborg Ernst ◽  
Philipp Mittmann

Intracochlear pressure changes during the cochlear implant insertion are assumed to be an important contributor to hearing preservation. The aim was to observe intracochlear pressure changes by different round window opening sizes and different hydrophilic electrode conditions. The experiments were performed in a cochlear model with a micropressure sensor in the helicotrema area. Different artificial round window membrane and different moisturized electrode conditions were compared. A punctured round window causes a significantly higher and an indirect moisturized electrode condition a significantly lower intracochlear pressure change. The degree of round window opening and the hydrophilic character of an electrode during insertion affect the intracochlear pressure significantly in a model.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Ceyhun Ucta ◽  
Philipp Mittmann ◽  
Arneborg Ernst ◽  
Rainer Seidl ◽  
Gina Lauer

Objective: Atraumatic cochlear implantation (CI) and insertion of the electrode in particular are major goals of recent CI surgery. Perimodiolar electrode arrays need a stylet or exosheath for insertion. The sheath can influence the intracochlear pressure changes during insertion of the electrode. The aim of this study was to modify the insertion sheath to optimize intracochlear pressure changes. Methods: In an artifical cochlear model, 7 different modified insertion sheaths were used. The intracochlear pressure was measured with a micro-optical sensor in the apical part of the model cochlea. Results: Significant lower intracochlear pressure changes were observed when the apical part of the insertion sheath was either shortened or tapered. Modification of the stopper does influence the intracochlear pressure significantly. Conclusion: Modification of the insertion sheath leads to lower intracochlear pressure gain. The differences and impact on intracochlear pressure changes found in this study underline the importance of even subtle modifications of the electrode insertion technique.


Author(s):  
Lars Uwe Scholtz ◽  
Conrad Riemann ◽  
Hans Björn Gehl ◽  
Holger Sudhoff ◽  
Ingo Todt

Abstract Introduction Cochlear implant (CI) magnets and surgical techniques (e.g., positioning) have made an impact on the relationship between CI and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by solving the problem of pain and artifact. Recent investigations displayed the possibility to evaluate the CI electrode position by MRI in vivo. However, further improved perceptual quality is needed to allow an improved evaluation of the electrode. Aims The aim of this study was to assess a cochlear model for the examination of CI electrode pattern and MRI sequences in vitro. Materials and Methods We investigated CI electrodes in a fluid-filled three-dimensional artificial scala tympani model combined with a fluid package in a 3T MRI scanner. Different high-resolution T2 sequences (0.6–0.2 mm voxel size) were used for the visual electrode pattern evaluation for finding an optimized sequence. Results Artificial models can be used to evaluate MRI characteristics of CI electrodes. In our scanner configuration, a 0.3 mm voxel and 0.9 mm slice thickness sequence showed the best compromise between resolution and scanning time. Conclusion and Significance MRI model-based testing can be performed in vitro to evaluate CI electrodes’ pattern and to optimize sequences. An MRI model is a tool for in vitro testing of MRI sequences and might help for future in vivo applications.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Graziela de Souza Queiroz Martins ◽  
Rubens Vuono Brito Neto ◽  
Robinson Koji Tsuji ◽  
Eloisa Maria Mello Santiago Gebrim ◽  
Ricardo Ferreira Bento

Hypothesis. This study aimed to evaluate whether there is a difference in the degree of intracochlear trauma when the cochlear implant electrode arrays is inserted through different quadrants of the round window membrane.Background. The benefits of residual hearing preservation in cochlear implant recipients have promoted the development of atraumatic surgeries. Minimal trauma during electrode insertion is crucial for residual hearing preservation.Methods. In total, 25 fresh human temporal bones were subjected to mastoidectomy and posterior tympanotomy. The cochlear implant electrode array was inserted through the anterosuperior quadrant of the round window membrane in 50% of the bones and through the anteroinferior quadrant in the remaining 50%. The temporal bones were dehydrated, embedded in epoxy, serially polished, stained, viewed through a stereomicroscope, and photographed with the electrode arraysin situ. The resulting images were analyzed for signs of intracochlear trauma.Results. Histological examinations revealed varying degrees of damage to the intracochlear structures, although the incidence and severity of intracochlear trauma were not influenced by the quadrant of insertion.Conclusions. The incidence and severity of intracochlear trauma were similar in all samples, irrespective of electrode array insertion through the anterosuperior or anteroinferior quadrant of the round window membrane.


2019 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
pp. 233121651983356 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabine Haumann ◽  
Marina Imsiecke ◽  
Günther Bauernfeind ◽  
Andreas Büchner ◽  
Victor Helmstaedter ◽  
...  

To preserve residual hearing during cochlear implant (CI) surgery, it is desirable to use intraoperative monitoring of inner ear function (cochlear monitoring), especially during electrode insertion. A promising method is electrocochleography (ECochG). Within this project, the relations between ongoing responses (ORs), recorded extra- and intracochlearly (EC and IC), and preservation of residual hearing were investigated. Before, during, and after insertion of hearing preservation electrodes, intraoperative ECochG recordings were performed EC using a cotton wick electrode and after insertion also IC using the CI electrode (MED-EL) and a research software tool. The stimulation was delivered acoustically using low frequency tone bursts. The recordings were conducted in 10 adult CI recipients. The amplitudes of IC ORs were detected to be larger than EC ORs. Intraoperative EC thresholds correlated highly to preoperative audiometric thresholds at 1000 Hz, IC thresholds highly at 250 Hz and 500 Hz. The correlations of both intraoperative ECochG recordings to postoperative pure tone thresholds were low. When measured postoperatively at the same appointments, IC OR thresholds correlated highly to audiometric pure tone thresholds. For all patients, it was possible to record ORs during or directly after electrode insertion. Consequently, we conclude that we did not observe any cases with severe IC trauma. Delayed hearing loss could not be predicted with our method. Nevertheless, intraoperative ECochG recordings are a promising tool to gain further insight into mechanisms impacting residual hearing. Postoperatively recorded IC OR thresholds seem to be a reliable tool for frequency specific hearing threshold estimation.


2007 ◽  
Vol 122 (3) ◽  
pp. 246-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Berrettini ◽  
F Forli ◽  
S Passetti

AbstractThe preservation of residual hearing is becoming a high priority in cochlear implant surgery. It allows better speech understanding and ensures long-lasting and stable performance; it also allows the possibility, in selected cases, of combining electro-acoustic stimulation in the same ear.We present the results of a retrospective study of the conservation of residual hearing in three different groups of patients who had undergone cochlear implantation using three different cochlear implant electrode arrays, combined with three different surgical techniques for the cochleostomy. The study aimed to evaluate which approach allowed greater preservation of residual hearing.The best residual hearing preservation results (i.e. preservation in 81.8 per cent of patients) were achieved with the Contour Advance electrode array, using the Advance Off-Stylet technique and performing a modified anterior inferior cochleostomy; this combination enabled reduced trauma to the lateral wall of the cochlea during electrode insertion.


Author(s):  
Pietro Canzi ◽  
Marianna Magnetto ◽  
Anna Simoncelli ◽  
Marco Manfrin ◽  
Federico Aprile ◽  
...  

Abstract Purposes To investigate the effects for Ultra 3D cochlear implant (CI) positioning on MR imaging quality, looking at a comprehensive description of intracranial structures in cases of unilateral and bilateral CI placement. Methods Four CI angular positions (90°, 120°, 135° and 160°) at 9 cm distance from the outer-ear canal were explored. The 1.5 T MRI assessment included our institutional protocol for the investigation of brain pathologies without gadolinium application. Three investigators (two experienced neuroradiologists and one experienced otoneurosurgeon) independently evaluated the MR findings. A 4-point scale was adopted to describe 14 intracranial structures and to determine which CI positioning allowed the best image quality score and how bilateral CI placement modified MRI scan visibility. Results A high positive correlation was found between the three blinded observers. Structures situated contralateral from the CI showed high-quality values in all four placements. Structures situated ipsilaterally provided results suitable for diagnostic purposes for at least one position. At 90°, artifacts mainly involved brain structures located cranially and anteriorly (e.g., temporal lobe); on the contrary, at 160°, artifacts mostly influenced the posterior fossa structures (e.g., occipital lobe). For the bilateral CI condition, MR imaging examination revealed additional artifacts involving all structures located close to either CI, where there was a signal void/distortion area. Conclusions Suitable unilateral CI positioning can allow the visualization of intracranial structures with sufficient visibility for diagnostic purposes. Bilateral CI positioning significantly deteriorates the anatomical visibility. CI positioning might play a crucial role for patients who need post-operative MRI surveillance.


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