Experience With the New Active Transcutaneous Bone‐Conduction Implant With Smaller Dimensions

Abstract

ObjectiveRecently, the Bonebridge 602 implant was introduced. Its smaller dimensions facilitate implantation even in surgically demanding cases. However, in extreme anatomical conditions, implant lifts are still required. We intended to report on the medical and audiological outcomes of all patients implanted with the implant with a secondary focus on the safety, efficacy, and feasibility of the use of 1‐mm lifts.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingTertiary academic center.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed all patients implanted with the Bonebridge 602. Patient demographics and surgically‐specific data were collected from the medical charts. Furthermore, audiological results were assessed. Outcomes were compared between implantations with versus without lifts.ResultsTwenty‐one devices were implanted during the study period. Satisfactory audiological results were observed, while no intra‐ or postoperative adverse events occurred. The majority of patients were daily users at the end of the observation period (n = 20/21, 95.2%), and one patient (n = 1/21, 4.8%) was a nonuser after 6 months of use because of subjective dissatisfaction. Due to anatomical considerations, 1‐mm lifts were used in 4 implantations (19.0%). The application of lifts did not result in prolonged surgical times, complications, or shorter time of use, nor did it negatively affect audiometric results.ConclusionImplantations with the new and smaller Bonebridge were associated with gratifying medical and audiological outcomes. Still, in extreme anatomical conditions, 1‐mm lifts are necessary. Nonetheless, surgical placement with the help of lifts seems safe, effective, and feasible, and is a viable option in cases with challenging anatomies due to previous surgeries or anomalies.

Early Results With the New Active Bone‐Conduction Hearing Implant: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

“…Subsequently, 99 studies were excluded based on title, abstract, or if they were duplicates. Three studies 12,24,25 were excluded from the meta-analysis due to high risk of overlapping data. One study 14 was added through manual search of references.…”

“…Overall, there is limited evidence on the impact of lifts on audiological outcomes, mostly derived from small patient samples; however, the available data suggest positive outcomes 51‐53 . Importantly, a recent study, which was excluded due to the high risk of overlapping data, including 4 patients with BCI 602 implantation, showed no difference in audiological outcomes with lifts 24 . Therefore, lifts seem to be a practical option even in BCI 602 in cases of extreme anatomies or prior surgeries.…”

“…[51][52][53] Importantly, a recent study, which was excluded due to the high risk of overlapping data, including 4 patients with BCI 602 implantation, showed no difference in audiological outcomes with lifts. 24 Therefore, lifts seem to be a practical option even in BCI 602 in cases of extreme anatomies or prior surgeries. Of note, no cases of device malfunction were reported.…”